Harold & Jennifer Chizick Exit ChizComm & Genius Brands

Harold and Jennifer Chizick, who founded ChizComm in 2013, are exiting from Genius Brands International, ChizComm and ChizComm Beacon Media.

“We are extremely disappointed to be leaving Genius Brands and ChizComm after less than a year of being with Genius Brands,” they said. “However, our vision on how to best grow the company does not align well with Genius Brands.”

The Chizicks said that last week, Genius Brands imposed organizational changes that “reduced our role in the company and was a breach of our agreement with Genius Brands. Efforts to resolve this matter in an amicable fashion have been unsuccessful. We believe that we have been terminated on a without-cause basis and now have no choice but to depart the company and explore options for how to recoup the considerable sums remaining due to us.”

They continued, “ChizComm staff is at the heart of everything we do. We want to thank this phenomenal team, past and present, that have contributed to building a great organization that prioritizes integrity, drive and passion. And to the ChizComm client base, it has been an honor working in partnership to unlock opportunities and drive growth. Stay tuned for what we do next.”

Genius Brands International issued a statement today that Harold Chizick and Jennifer Chizick “have been terminated for cause. The company believes this decision to be in the best interest of its shareholders and customers,” the statement reads.

“Business will continue as usual under current management, with Donna MacNeil as president of ChizComm and Kathleen Campisano as global chief marketing officer and general manager of ChizComm Beacon Media subsidiaries.

“The company is fully invested in the success of these subsidiaries and believes it will be more fully realized under Ms. MacNeil’s and Ms. Campisano’s leadership.”

ChizComm and ChizComm Beacon Media were acquired by Genius Brands International in February 2021. Harold served as CEO of both companies and Jennifer as COO of ChizComm. Additionally, Harold was named president of marketing, content sales and consumer products for Genius Brands International.