Elie Dekel Joins Saban Group

LOS ANGELES: Elie Dekel, who previously headed up licensing and merchandising at 20th Century Fox, is joining the private-investment firm Saban Capital Group (SCG) as its managing director, effective immediately, based in the Los Angeles office.

Dekel will report to Adam Chesnoff. the president and COO of Haim Saban’s investment firm that specializes in the media, entertainment and communications sectors. His mandate at the company is to expand licensing, merchandising and intellectual property opportunities in the U.S. and internationally. SCG’s current investments include U.S. Hispanic broadcaster Univision.

“I am thrilled that Elie has decided to re-join the Saban team,” said Haim Saban, the chairman and CEO of SCG. “I worked with Elie for many years at Fox Kids and Fox Family and look forward to the knowledge and array of skills that he will bring to Saban Capital Group. His wealth of experience across numerous platforms will be a valuable asset as we explore new opportunities in the licensing, merchandising and intellectual property arenas.”

Chesnoff added: “Elie has a proven track record of success in pursuing licensing, merchandising and intellectual property opportunities across an impressive range of categories, from film and television to interactive gaming and E-commerce. We are confident that he will add a critical new dimension to the Firm and will play a key role in implementing creative new ideas to complement and enhance our long-term growth strategy.”

Most recently, Dekel served as the head of licensing and merchandising at 20th Century Fox. Prior to that he was an agent at CAA, which followed his run as the president of Saban Consumer Products/Fox Family Worldwide.