By Sadhana Bharanidharan and Cole Watson

Penguin Random House plans a big kids push

The book world giant has recruited Rachel Denwood (pictured) to launch and lead a “major” new imprint dedicated to children’s and YA content as a publishing and creative director, reporting to managing director Francesca Dow. Denwood is leaving Simon & Schuster UK for the role after nearly seven years—during which time she built popular kidlit brands like Supertato and Dork Diaries. Before that, she worked in the children’s book divisions of HarperCollins and Macmillan. 

WEBTOON Entertainment ups Yongsoo Kim

The webcomic company has elevated Yongsoo Kim from chief strategy officer and head of global to president. Since joining the company in 2022, Kim has been closely involved in supporting WEBTOON’s international growth, including recent efforts to turbocharge its US growth. He will help drive innovation and expansion for the global business in his new role, in addition to joining the board of directors. 

A Walmart vet joins tween/teen retailer Claire’s

Jillian Cueff has been appointed chief merchandising officer at the company, which is looking to win over Gen Alpha consumers and recover its market position after years of financial troubles. Cueff is a retail veteran, having worked in senior roles at companies like Macy’s and Walmart—where her experience leading jewelry and accessories merchandising should come in handy for the new gig.

Sesame Workshop promotes Nishita Gupte 

After just eight months, Nishita Gupte has been promoted from VP to SVP of strategy & transformation. Gupte will continue to oversee Sesame’s enterprise strategy and long-term direction. From her new SVP seat, she will also help guide and improve the nonprofit company’s educational resources for kids. 

Dark Horse Comics’ founder and CEO is out

In a leadership shake-up, Mike Richardson is exiting the comics and media company he founded 40 years ago. In his place, Embracer Group (which holds the commercial rights to The Lord of the Rings and which bought Dark Horse in 2022) has appointed Jay Komas as an interim CEO. Dark Horse’s licensed catalogue has included Avatar: The Last Airbender and Star Wars over the years.

Reesee Entertainment appoints a new VP of global sales

The Chinese entertainment company has hired toy industry vet Pavel Jelšik to help implement an international expansion plan as VP of global sales. Based in Europe, he will oversee Reesee’s global sales strategy and develop initiatives to position the company for growth across the entertainment and toy sectors. Jelšik has more than 20 years of experience in the toy industry, leading licensing, brand development and large-scale distribution as a VP of international sales & marketing at Hong Kong-based toycos Sweet ‘n Fun and Playmind Group.