GBI reshuffles distribution

US children’s content firm Genius Brands International (GBI) has promoted the president of its Kids Genius Cartoon Channel to a role overseeing global content distribution.

Deb Pierson

Deb Pierson has been named as senior VP of global content distribution and marketing at GBI.

Pierson will oversee sales for GBI’s catalogue of animation properties, which include SpacePOP, Llama Llama, Rainbow Rangers, Baby Genius, Warren Buffett’s Secret Millionaires Club and Thomas Edison’s Secret Lab.

She will now lead the company’s worldwide content sales efforts, identify potential coproduction partners and advise on the development of new and acquired properties for international and domestic distribution.

Pierson, who joined GBI in March 2016, will continue to oversee the Kid Genius Cartoon Channel both domestically and internationally, working with its executive chairman Margaret Loesch.

The firm has also promoted VP of consumer products Lloyd Mintz to senior VP, head of worldwide consumer products. Both execs report to GBI chairman and CEO Andy Heyward.

Pierson’s promotion comes after GBI last year recruited Jo Kavanagh-Payne, the CEO of LA-based Foothill Entertainment, as senior VP of global distribution. Kavanagh-Payne will now report to Pierson, a spokeswoman for GBI confirmed to C21.