WildBrain Ltd. has promoted Josh Scherba to the role of President and Chief Executive Officer. The executive has also been appointed to the company’s board of directors. "WildBrain has made significant progress over the last three years to emerge as a leading platform for the monetization of kids and family IP in the global market. As we look to the future, our focus is to continue building on this strategy to accelerate the growth of key franchises globally," Don Wright, Chair of WildBrain’s Board of Directors, said.
Forming part of the company's succession plan, the changes come as Scherba replaces Eric Ellenbogen, who has stepped down as CEO and Vice Chair. The modifications also include Jim Fielding's appointment from Chief Marketing and Brands Officer, has been appointed as Strategic Advisor to the CEO and Board of Directors. Scherba will contribute more than two decades worth of experience in the global industry, who has been with WildBrain since its founding in 2006. He was appointed President in 2018 and has helped monetize brands from WildBrain’s deep slate of IP as well as partner-owned brands. During his time at Wildbrain, he has helped develop partnerships with Apple TV+, Netflix, Amazon, SEGA, YouTube, the BBC, LEGO, Mattel and many others. "As President, Josh played an integral role in setting and implementing WildBrain’s 360-degree strategy, and he has been a driving force behind all aspects of the Company’s highly successful content business, from its award-winning animation studio through to its world-leading global distribution business," Wright said. "We’re confident Josh has the right combination of strategic vision, deep industry expertise and operational insights to take WildBrain forward into this next phase of growth.”
Most recently, Scherba led WildBrain’s agreement to acquire "House of Cool," to significantly expand the Company’s capabilities for premium series, specials and features.“It’s an incredibly exciting time at WildBrain, and I’m honored that our board has put their support behind me to lead the Company. I look forward to continuing to work with our talented people across the organization, 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," Josh Scherba said. "With our beloved iconic brands, such as Peanuts, Teletubbies and Strawberry Shortcake, as well as the creative expertise we’ve invested in across our teams and our truly global reach in distribution and licensing, we hold a unique position of strength in the evolving marketplace to continue capitalizing on meaningful partnerships for content and consumer products.”
Under his new role, Fielding will continue overseeing the company's franchise and marketing functions during a transition period, while working with Scherba and the Board to implement new leadership. “WildBrain is one of the most exciting companies I’ve worked with in my career. Over the past few years, we’ve made strong progress elevating and celebrating brands like Peanuts, Teletubbies and Strawberry Shortcake," Jim Fielding said. "With its rich portfolio of IP, combined with its extensive infrastructure and capabilities for content and brand management, plus its wealth of talented people dedicated to creative excellence, WildBrain holds great potential in today’s global market. I’m excited to continue my work with Josh and the Board to help further ignite WildBrain’s IP and drive future growth.”
Fielding has deep experience leading consumer-products groups at the world’s top media companies, including Disney, DreamWorks and Twentieth Century Fox. He is a former President of Disney Stores Worldwide, where he completely redefined the digital and physical experience around the globe. Fielding has held leadership roles at popular retailers, including Claire’s Stores, Inc., where he was CEO, The Gap, Lands’ End, and the J. Peterman Company.“On behalf of the entire Company and board, I’d also like to recognize Eric for his important leadership over the past several years in the strategic transformation of WildBrain," Scherba said. "Eric has helped reshape the Company, setting it on a renewed path of sustainable growth and positioning it for a successful future. During his tenure, he elevated the Company’s commitment to creative excellence and expanded its global reach by implementing a unified 360-degree strategy across the organization, rebranding the Company, and assembling a top management team. We’re grateful for Eric’s vision and valuable contributions and wish him all the best.”