Spin Master, a renowned toy company and media operation known for brands like Unicorn Academy and the iconic Rubik’s Cube, has appointed a new franchise and products lead.
Maryellen Zarakas, a seasoned professional with experience at Warner Bros. and its parent companies, has joined Spin Master as the senior vice president of global consumer products and franchise development. Reporting to Spin Master Entertainment president Jennifer Dodge, Zarakas brings a wealth of knowledge in global business development, franchise and brand building, marketing strategy, and retail merchandising.
Having previously managed a global team at Warner Bros. Discovery, Zarakas focused on strategic growth across various intellectual properties, including Harry Potter, Looney Toons, Scooby-Doo, and elements of “The Lord of the Rings” series by Peter Jackson. With a background at The Walt Disney Company, where she worked with iconic characters like Mickey Mouse, Winnie the Pooh, and the “Toy Story” franchise, Zarakas has a proven track record in product and brand management.
In her new role at Spin Master, Zarakas will be responsible for overseeing licensing, retail development, and partnerships to drive growth for brands like Vida the Vet and Toca Boca.
Expressing her excitement for the new opportunity, Zarakas stated, “During the course of my career, I’ve had many opportunities to work with the Spin Master team and have always been inspired by their commitment to creating properties and brands that engage audiences and inspire imagination.”
Spin Master is following in the footsteps of companies like Mattel by emphasizing content creation as a key revenue stream. In a recent announcement, the company revealed that director Brad Peyton, known for films like “Rampage” and “San Andreas,” will be leading a project to bring the anime adventure franchise Bakugan to the big screen.
With Zarakas at the helm of global consumer products and franchise development, Spin Master is poised to continue its success in creating engaging brands that capture the imagination of audiences worldwide.
