Foothill CEO joins Genius Brands in sales rejig

Foothill Entertainment CEO Jo Kavanagh-Payne has joined LA-based Genius Brands International, though will also remain with the Santa Barbara-based distributor she created.

Kavanagh-Payne has been named senior VP, global distribution at Andy Heyward’s kids and family company.

She will support Stone Newman, who has been promoted to president, global consumer products, worldwide content sales and marketing, but also remain as chief executive if kids content distributor Foothill.

Newman has been with GBI in 2014 as consumer products chief, but is now in control of international distribution of properties such as SpacePOP, Llama Llama, Baby Genius and Secret Millionaire’s Club.

“Stone has been instrumental in driving GBI’s growth through unique and strategic initiatives, including pioneering the digital distribution strategy for the recent successful launch of SpacePOP,” said Heyward.

“His relationships, experience and knowledge of the global marketplace have been and continues to be tremendously beneficial, and I look forward to his contributions in realising the goals of both maximising the opportunities for our myriad brands and multiplying the properties under GBI’s umbrella.

“Jo will also be a tremendous asset in meeting these objectives, and we are thrilled to welcome her to the GBI executive team.”

Kavanagh-Payne launched Foothill with her husband, Gregory Payne, 16 years ago.