Legendary Taps Head of Franchise Management

BURBANK: Legendary has appointed former FremantleMedia exec James Ngo as the company’s senior VP of franchise management, a newly created position.

Ngo will report to Emily Castel, Legendary’s chief marketing officer. He will be responsible for developing strategies to create additional revenue-generating opportunities for Legendary’s IPs, including Godzilla and Pacific Rim. Ngo will also oversee the brand collections for such established IP as Pokémon. His work will span the company’s film, television and digital divisions, and will include a variety of brand segments, among them VR, gaming, mobile, digital networks, licensing, live events and marketing.

Ngo most recently served as VP of licensing and business development at Earthbound Brands. He previously spent nearly ten years working for FremantleMedia, where he managed the licensing and branding strategies for such hit entertainment properties as American Idol, America’s Got Talent, The X Factor, The Price Is Right and Family Feud.

“We are thrilled to have James join the Legendary team,” said Castel. “His wealth of experience in managing high-profile media and lifestyle brands as well as his proven track record of creating innovative revenue streams will enable Legendary to broaden its reach to new audiences, while allowing us to connect with our fans in new and exciting ways.”

Ngo added: “Legendary has a deep roster of exciting IP that are primed to give fans even more of what they crave through unique partnerships and brand activations. I’m elated to have the opportunity to lead Legendary’s IP branding initiatives and to have a key role in the next chapter of some of the world’s most action-packed franchises.”