LA’s Genius Brands International (GBI) has promoted Michael Jaffa from general counsel and SVP of business affairs to COO.

Beginning in his new role today, Jaffa will oversee the company’s business operations in production, consumer products, global distribution, legal, human resources and diversity.

He will also be responsible for integrating newly acquired marketing and media agency ChizComm into the fold.

Jaffa will continue to lead the business and legal operations of GBI’s new digital channels, Kartoon Channel! and Kartoon Classroom!, in addition to maintaining his responsibilities as general counsel. He still reports to chairman and CEO Andy Heyward.

Jaffa has served as general counsel and SVP of business affairs since joining GBI in 2018. Before that, he was head of business affairs at DreamWorks Animation Television and VP of legal and business affairs for Hasbro Studios.

GBI has been growing this year, despite the pandemic. New execs that have been recruited over the last few months include Marc Rosenberg as president of global brands and chief marketing officer, and Jessica Brinder as VP of international distribution.