Paramount taps Paul Southern as its new consumer products EVP

The company’s Global Products & Experiences division has tapped the licensing veteran to succeed Jamie Drew as its next EVP of consumer products, effective immediately. Based in LA, Southern reports to Josh Silverman, who joined Paramount in October to replace longtime consumer products CEO and president Pam Kaufman. Southern will leverage more than 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry to spearhead new revenue opportunities for Paramount, expand the global reach of its IPs and foster key licensing partnerships. 

Southern is coming off a 13-year run at Disney Consumer Productsm, where he most recently served as SVP of brand commercialization. During his time there, he led strategy development and secured several major licensing partnerships for both the Marvel and Star Wars franchises. Earlier in his career, Southern held similar senior-level positions at Copyright Promotional Partners and Lucasfilm, where he oversaw brand licensing for Star Wars and Indiana Jones. 

ZAG names its first head of studio

Former Dwarf Animation studio manager Rémi Guerin (Alien Dunk, My Dad the Bounty Hunter) is joining the team at ZAG as head of studio. Reporting to EVP of series Ian Lambur, who is just weeks into his role, Guerin will oversee the French company’s production pipeline and develop new ways to streamline workflows. Some projects he will work on initially include the CG-animated superhero series Ghostforce and feature films Melody and Carmen.