WildBrain ropes in Steve Manners as VP of Business Development

WildBrain has appointed Steve Manners as VP of Business Development. He has been hired to drive a new business development initiative, which is created to maximize opportunities for brand licensors and content creators for reaching consumer audiences through YouTube.

In his new role, Manners will be working with clients for building brand management programs that leverage the blended expertise of WildBrain’s established consumer products licensing agency, WildBrain CPLG, and its leading digital network and studio, WildBrain Spark.

Maarten Weck, External Vice President and Managing Director, WildBrain CPLG, said, “We have been working closely with our colleagues at WildBrain Spark as the licensing industry becomes increasingly attuned of the potential of YouTube and other digital platforms for launching, supporting or reinvigorating IP. Steve is the ideal person to spearhead business initiatives that help inform and support our clients as they look to navigate the digital landscape, and his new role will help maximize the synergies across our businesses.”

Manners has nearly 30 years’ experience in Consumer Product. He has been a member of WildBrain’s management team since 2010. He played an integral role at the agency in overseeing the successful programs of key licensors and also securing new representation.

Manners stated, “There is a huge opportunity for IP owners in harnessing the expertise, tools and reach of both WildBrain CPLG and WildBrain Spark, it’s a very exciting time to be at the forefront of this bold new world. We are uniquely positioned to offer combined expertise and services that benefit those coming from the AVOD-first space to consumer products, as well as those licensors looking to leverage YouTube as a tool.”

Gisby, MD of WildBrain Spark, added, “With approximately four billion views per month on our YouTube network, we have an abundance of insights and data that can drive consumer product strategies and campaigns. In addition, we assist licensors in creating ‘always on’ content delivery on YouTube to further engage consumers and support brand activity, so it’s a natural step to harmonise our offering for IP owners. Manners’ experience and relationships in the licensing world will enable us to enhance our services and forge expanded and new partnerships.”