Former Kabillion executive to lead expansion of Genius Brands International’s Xfinity On Demand channel in delivering ‘Smart TV for Kids.’
BEVERLY HILLS, CA -- Genius Brands International, Inc., a brand management company specializing in providing entertaining and enriching content for toddlers to tweens, has named former Kabillion executive and distribution, production, licensing and merchandising expert Debra Pierson as general manager of its Kid Genius entertainment channel on On Demand.
Pierson brings over 25 years of kids’ entertainment experience to her new position, including almost six years as VP Sales and Marketing for multi-platform kids' entertainment channel, Kabillion. Pierson will be responsible for spearheading continued growth of Kid Genius.
"I consider Deb Pierson joining us as a tipping point in major value creation at Genius Brands,” commented, Chairman and CEO, Genius Brands International. “Her experience and capability, in my opinion, is no less important for the Kid Genius channel as was Geraldine Laybourne to the creation of Nickelodeon, or Betty Cohen to Cartoon Network, or Margaret Loesch (our board member) to the creation of Fox Kids. As we enter into the next generation of kids’ content distribution systems, I believe Kid Genius is now positioned to become just as impactful and valuable.”
Pierson will report to Genius Brands International’s Andy Berman, Senior Vice President, Global Distribution Sales, who also heads the Kid Genius channel.
“Deb has a wealth of talent, knowledge and know-how to draw from in developing effective monetization of the Kid Genius channel and we believe that her vision, innovative creativity and drive will grow the channel to its highest potential,” added Berman.
“I am thrilled to be a member of the Genius Brands team,” said Pierson. “Being able to combine my unique skill set and varied interests in the strategic expansion of Kid Genius is truly the perfect role for me. I’m excited to roll up my sleeves and dive in and fully expect Kid Genius to be the number one entertainment destination for kids in short order.”
As VP Sales and Marketing for Kabillion (February 2007-December 2012), Pierson helped launch the Kabillion Kids VOD channel on Comcast, Time Warner and Charter. Pierson was responsible for content acquisition, traffic, viewership and monetization of the broadband and cable Kabillion content offerings. Pierson collaborated with MSO distribution partners and also attracted top advertising partners such as General Mills, Lego, Activision and Hasbro to the platform. Pierson also oversaw the creation and launch of the Kabillion GIRLS RULE Channel, launching with over one million unique viewers and creating a new home for Bratz branded content.
Prior to Kabillion, Pierson was VP of Specialty Merchandise for Neopets, where she created the independent retailer merchandise and licensing strategy for the brand, bringing Neopets to market for their 25 million registered users and leading the product development, manufacturing, licensing and sales for the Neopets’ Specialty Merchandise division. As an experienced marketer, Pierson has also been instrumental in creating successful marketing campaigns with companies such as McDonalds, Toys”R”Us, and the Justice Retail chain.
Most recently Pierson served as CEO of Cosmic Toast Studios, since January 2013, working with an incredible talent pool of artists, directors and producers to create live action and animation content for toy companies, networks and major brands.
Source: Genius Brands International, Inc.
