Zodiak, ITVS alums launch Brand-Ward

The former CEO of Zodiak Kids has linked with an ex-ITV Studios Global Entertainment exec to launch a new company.

Jean-Philippe Randisi

Industry veterans Jean-Philippe Randisi and Trudi Hayward have joined forces to form Brand-Ward, which will aim to help IP owners/creators in the kids’ entertainment business monetise their IP globally.

The firm is currently working with the kids’ division of Chinese conglomerate Hengxin Shambala and Paris-based Cyber Group Studios.

Randisi stepped down as Zodiak Kids CEO last August, having previously held senior roles in the consumer product divisions of Disney, Saban, ITV and Viacom.

At the latter, he worked with former ITVSGE senior VP and head of global merchandising Hayward, with the pair helping to set up the consumer products business of Viacom in Europe. Hayward has also held roles at Beanstalk Europe, CPLG and Entertainment Rights.

“With my content and media expertise and Trudi’s consumer products and local market knowledge of the retail nuances, we hope that partners will find our services hugely beneficial when creating and rolling out new IP,” said Randisi.