Simon Philips (pictured) joins Zigazoo’s board 

The kid-friendly social media platform has recruited the former Falcon’s Beyond, Moonbug and Marvel staffer to join its board and advise on how it can grow and attract big brands. Philips is tasked with helping the company build its licensing strategy and international growth. Zigazoo is a platform where kids can make and share short videos; for years, its aim has been to develop into a launchpad for kids IPs, and it’s already attracted brands and brand owners like pocket.watch, Nickelodeon, Penguin Random House and the NBA. As the platform continues to grow, the company is “starting to think of Zigazoo as a studio where we will ideate, develop and launch new IP exclusive to the platform,” a spokesperson tells Kidscreen. Philips is coming to the company after serving as president of Marvel Entertainment International, leading that company’s global growth before the Disney acquisition, and he was also previously director of global consumer products for Moonbug Entertainment.

Zuru ups Omer Rafiq to SVP 

The toyco has named its VP to the position of SVP of North America to lead commercial strategy, retailer connections and growth across the US and Canada. Rafiq has been with Zuru since 2023, according to his LinkedIn. In his previous role, he was in charge of relationships with retailers in the US and Canada, including Walmart. Zuru has multiple toy brands, and has previously signed licensing deals with the likes of Disney, Hershey and Fuggler.

Image courtesy of Zigazoo.