Jim Henson Revamps Consumer-Products Division

HOLLYWOOD, January 14: Melissa Segal is joining The Jim Henson Company to head up its relaunched consumer-products division, which plans to release the first merchandise for Sid the Science Kid in fall 2009.

Segal joins The Jim Henson Company as the senior VP of global consumer products from Brandolution, which she founded in 2006. For the past year, Brandolution has represented The Jim Henson Company, helping to build the licensing program for its new PBS preschool series Sid the Science Kid.

Aside from Sid the Science Kid, Segal’s new division will also handle Dinosaur Train, premiering on PBS KIDS in fall 2009, and The Skrumps, based on the successful collectible toy line. Segal’s internal group will also manage the licensing for the fantasy brands Labyrinth, The Dark Crystal and Farscape, as well as classic properties like Emmet Otter’s Jug Band Christmas when the company’s agreement with HIT Entertainment expires early this year. The 1980s puppet series Fraggle Rock will also be central to that effort, with film and television projects in development.

Additionally, Segal’s Brandolution agency will be renamed Brandolution JHC and become a new banner of The Jim Henson Company that will continue to represent Segal’s current, as well as new, third-party licensing properties.

"This is an exciting time for our company," said Peter Schube, the president and COO of The Jim Henson Company. "Our wonderful new properties are driving the relaunch of a dynamic internal consumer products division that will also enable us to focus renewed attention on our classic brands. I can’t think of a more ideal executive to head this effort than Melissa, who has already been instrumental in helping us secure key partners for both Sid the Science Kid and Dinosaur Train. It was a great discovery to learn that Melissa already has an inherent ‘Henson sensibility’ that blends seamlessly with both our classic properties and our many projects in development. I’m personally so excited about the prospect of working with her as we grow this part of our business once again."

—By Kristin Brzoznowski