Hasbro, Inc. Announces Key Executive Appointments for Hasbro StudiosPAWTUCKET, R.I.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sep. 21, 2009--
Hasbro, Inc. (NYSE:HAS) announced today the appointment of key
executives at the company’s newly formed Hasbro Studios, which is based
in Los Angeles. Industry veteran Stephen J. Davis, President of Hasbro
Studios, will lead the “virtual” studio, which will produce shows based
on Hasbro’s world class brands, deliver new branded content and produce
programs from top third party content creators. Many of these shows will
run on the new television network created by the joint venture between
Hasbro and Discovery Communications (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK), that
is planned to debut Fall 2010, as well as on multiple channels in
international markets.
Davis has named the following individuals to take on key roles as part
of the Hasbro Studios management team: Bob Boden currently Senior Vice
President, Programming and Production Fox Reality Channel and former SVP
of programming for the Game Show Network, will be Head of Reality and
Game Show Development and Production. Michael J. Vogel, currently
Director, Animated Programming, Sony Pictures Television, will serve as
Head of Boys Animation. Brian Charles Lenard, Director, Scripted
Development, RDF Media Group, Pangea Management Group and RDF USA, will
take on the role of Head of Story Development. Mary Beth Bambridge, Head
of Strategic Planning, William Morris Endeavour Entertainment, will be
the company’s Head of Finance, and Kevin Healy, Head of Business and
Legal Affairs, Hasbro Entertainment and Licensing will serve as Hasbro
Studios’ Head of Legal and Business Affairs.
“There are a number of factors that makes heading up Hasbro Studios such
an exciting opportunity,” Davis said. “First, great programming requires
great content, and we have the unique opportunity to take an amazing
portfolio of iconic brands into all new and creative places. Second, I
have been given the green light to hire the best in the business, and
the appointments we are announcing today demonstrates that Hasbro
Studios will have the creative and intellectual firepower necessary to
do great things. I am delighted with the team we are putting in place,”
Davis concluded.
As previously announced, Hasbro Studios’ productions will feed all
platforms, domestically and globally, including television, the Internet
and mobile. New programming is planned based on brands such as ROMPER
ROOM, TRIVIAL PURSUIT, SCRABBLE, CRANIUM, MY LITTLE PONY, G.I. JOE, GAME
OF LIFE, TONKA and TRANSFORMERS, among many others.
About Hasbro:
Hasbro, Inc. (NYSE:HAS) is a worldwide leader in children’s and family
leisure time products and services with a rich portfolio of brands and
entertainment properties that provides some of the highest quality and
most recognizable play and recreational experiences in the world. As a
brand-driven, consumer-focused global company, Hasbro brings to market a
range of toys, games and licensed products, from traditional to
high-tech and digital, under such powerful brand names as TRANSFORMERS,
PLAYSKOOL, TONKA, MILTON BRADLEY, PARKER BROTHERS, CRANIUM and WIZARDS
OF THE COAST. Come see how we inspire play through our brands at http://www.hasbro.com.
© 2009 Hasbro, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Certain statements contained in this release contain "forward-looking
statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation
Reform Act of 1995. These statements include expectations concerning the
programming which Hasbro and Hasbro Studios anticipate developing for
the joint venture with Discovery Communications and for other outlets,
as well as the anticipated timing for the development of that
programming, and may be identified by the use of forward-looking words
or phrases. Hasbro's actual actions or results may differ materially
from those expected or anticipated in the forward-looking statements due
to both known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Specific factors that
might cause such a difference include, but are not limited to: (i)
greater than expected costs, or unexpected delays or difficulties,
associated with Hasbro’s creation of Hasbro Studios, Hasbro Studios’
efforts to develop programming for the network and for other outlets,
and the rebranding of the joint venture network, (ii) consumer interest
in and acceptance of the programming created by Hasbro Studios,
including for the joint venture network, as well as (iii) other factors
impacting the business and financial performance of Hasbro Studios and
the joint venture network, including other risks and uncertainties as
may be detailed from time to time in Hasbro's public announcements and
SEC filings. Hasbro undertakes no obligation to make any revisions to
the forward-looking statements contained in this release or to update
them to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this
release.
Source: Hasbro, Inc.
Hasbro, Inc.
Investor Relations
Karen A. Warren,
401-727-5401
or
News Media
Gary Serby, 401-727-5582
or
Wayne
S. Charness, 401-727-5983