Licensing Roundup: Universal, Scholastic Media, Chorion and more.

Announcing recent executive appointments and agency hires.

~ Universal Promotes Sperber to President of Licensing

Universal Pictures has elevated Stephanie Sperber from executive vice president of Universal’s Partnerships and Licensing (UP&L) division to president. Since UP&L was created last year, Sperber has helped join the studio’s retail-focused Consumer Products Group with the division known as Universal Studios Partnerships (USP). Prior to that, she had led Universal Studios Partnerships since 2005. In her time with Universal, Sperber has secured innovative promotions, licensing agreements and corporate alliances across all of Universal Studios’ divisions for brands including American Express, Burger King, Kellogg’s, Cartier, Coca-Cola, Best Buy, Toyota, Volkswagen, Hallmark and more. Visit www.universalstudios.com.

~ Scholastic Media Names Consumer Products Director

Scholastic Media of New York welcomes Chris Ursin aboard as its new director of consumer products. He will be responsible for selling licenses, promotions and sponsorships for the entire Scholastic Media portfolio of brands, which includes Clifford the Big Red Dog, WordGirl, I Spy, The Magic School Bus, Goosebumps, The 39 Clues, Little Scholastic & Scholastic, Turbo Dogs, Toots, Kim Parker Kids and Dragon.

Ursin previously served as vice president of brand licensing for the brand asset group at Warner Music Group, and prior to that was the director of licensing for Marvel Entertainment. Contact Scholastic Media at (212) 343-6507.

~ Chorion Taps Two New Execs

New York and London-based family entertainment producer and distributor Chorion is has brought on Tamra Knepfer as executive vice president of brand management and marketing and Steve Cipolla as executive vice president of global licensing and sales. Knepfer will oversee brand strategy, marketing and creative for Chorion’s brands worldwide. Cipolla will manage the global licensing and retail teams and develop new brand opportunities. Chorion’s portfolio includes Mr. Men and Little Miss, Beatrix Potter, Paddington, Noddy, Olivia, The World of Eric Carle and more. Call (212) 973-4700.

~ Build-A-Bear, Archie Comics Select New Licensing Companies

St. Louis, Mo.-based Build-A-Bear Workshop has tapped A2 Entertainment Group of Los Angeles to handle its entertainment and external licensing program. The entertainment company plans to develop a range of licensed merchandise to be sold outside Build-A-Bear Workshop locations. Targeted product categories include apparel, accessories, DVDs and books. Call (818) 461-9318.

The Archie Comics brand is now working with Surge Licensing of Hicksville, N.Y., to expand its merchandise program for the property and characters including Archie, Betty, Veronica and Jughead. Call (516) 939-2225.