CPLG Names New GM of Benelux, CPLG Pullman Sales & Retail Director

CPLG has upped Brenda Draaisma to the post of general manager of CPLG Benelux, and appointed Oleg Zemskov to the newly created role of director of licensing sales and retail for CPLG Pullman in Russia.

Draaisma, who joined CPLG Benelux in 2011 as the retail and marketing director, will oversee its activities across licensing strategy, promotions, publishing and retail development for its content portfolio in her expanded role. She will report to CPLG Executive VP and Managing Director Maarten Weck.

Weck said: “Since joining CPLG eight years ago, Brenda has been instrumental in growing our retail relationships and championing our brands across the Benelux and, more recently, the Nordics regions. She has played a pivotal role in expanding our entertainment and lifestyle portfolio, delivering exciting retail programs and brand collaborations. This new position allows Brenda to give focus to this key market and lead the team to further strengthen our clients’ properties across the region.”

Draaisma added: “CPLG is a fantastic company to work for and it is very exciting to be given the opportunity to take on a fresh challenge. I am looking forward to spearheading commercial and retail strategy for Benelux and further growing the business.”

As CPLG Pullman’s first director of licensing sales and retail, Zemskov will report to Anna Artyukhova, the commercial director. Zemskov previously held the role of deputy director of licensing for international projects at Russia’s Marmalade Media.

Artyukhova said: “Oleg is a first-class manager, with the deepest market expertise and unique experience in building partnerships. I am confident his strong background in product licensing, as well as his deep knowledge of the industry, will be valuable assets for our clients and the growth of our business.”