Saban Entertainment has restructured its licensing and merchandising division into a category management system. The new system will put licensees and retail partners directly in touch with a category manager who handles all duties, from the sale of the license through to creative development. Previously, licensees worked with different departments through each stage of the process. Saban also plans to establish a board of advisors, to be announced at the next Saban Summit, which will evaluate licensing programs on a continual basis.

Susanne Lee, senior vice president of licensing and merchandising, has also announced the creation of two new positions. Larry Castro, formerly director of sales for Saban Home Entertainment, will transfer to the new position of director of retail development, where he will work with retailers to create promotional and merchandising opportunities. The second position, marketing director to the licensing and merchandising department, will focus on strategic long-term marketing that will provide additional support to licensees and retailers. It is yet to be filled.