WildBrain ups Josh Scherba to president and CEO as Eric Ellenbogen steps down

Canadian kids’ entertainment company WildBrain has promoted Josh Scherba to president and CEO as Eric Ellenbogen steps down from his role as CEO and vice chair.

Josh Scherba

At the same time, chief marketing officer and brands officer Jim Fielding has been appointed as strategic advisor to the CEO and the board of directors.

Scherba, who is also joining the company’s board of directors, has been with WildBrain since it was formed in 2006 and has been president since 2018.

Ellenbogen, a former Dreamworks exec, joined the company in August 2019. His departure comes just one year after signing a three-year contract extension that was intended to keep him at the company until 2025. However, that deal did include an option for him to transition out of the CEO role.

WildBrain said Fielding will maintain oversight of its franchise and marketing functions during a transition period, in addition to working with Scherba and the board to implement new leadership.

“I look forward to continuing to work with our talented people across the organisation, our passionate management team and the board to further execute on our global strategy, with a renewed focus on key franchises to drive profitability for the long-term success of the business and enhance value for shareholders,” said Scherba.

He added that Ellenbogen had set WildBrain on a “renewed path of sustainable growth and positioning it for a successful future.”

Ellenbogen said: “It’s been a tremendous experience to have led the evolution of WildBrain into the industry leader that it is today.

“I’m pleased to leave the company in a much stronger position than I found it, and I’ve greatly enjoyed working with WildBrain’s board, management team and talented employees across the global organisation. I have every confidence that Josh is the right person to continue on the path we set together for WildBrain’s future.”