Putting It Together: A Strategic Checklist for Licensees

Mr. Araten joined K’NEX and the Rodon Group in May 2005 to serve as their Vice President and General Counsel.  He became position of President & COO in January 2006 and assumed his present position as President and CEO in January 2009.  Prior to joining K’NEX and Rodon, Mr. Araten served as Senior Vice President and Corporate Counsel to O’Neill Properties Group, as well as Chief Litigation Counsel to Toll Brothers, Inc.  In those capacities, Mr. Araten was responsible for risk management, regulatory approvals, human resource issues and the management of over 100 law firms in 21 states.  Mr. Araten also formed numerous joint ventures, led due diligence and acquisition teams, and obtained land development approvals that created over one billion ($1 billion) in new home sales and land value

As Vice President, Licensing for Global Toys, Ann Kearns is responsible for developing and managing Sesame Workshop’s Sesame Street, Pinky Dinky Doo, Dragon Tales, The Electric Company  and other licensing programs for the Global Toy category, which includes toys, games, puzzles, wheeled goods and other toyetic product categories. In addition to this, Ann also oversees product licensing & development for the Family Entertainment category, working primarily with Sea World Parks & Entertainment, the Workshop’s domestic licensee for theme parks.

Sparrow is a 28 year veteran of the wholesale and retail industry having started his career in retail as a department store buyer.  He has held senior level positions in retail, manufacturing, sales and licensing, including Vice President and National Sales Manager of Osh Kosh B’Gosh and Director of Licensing and Retail Development at the National Football League.