Andy Heyward’s Kartoon Studios Hires Ex-NFL & Live Nation Exec As Finance Chief

Jesse Whittock
·2 min read

EXCLUSIVE: Kartoon Studios has hired Brian Parisi as its finance chief.

The Andy Heyward-led company has named Parisi CFO following its rebranding from Genius Brands this year, with current incumbent Bob Denton moving to a new role as Executive Vice President, Finance & Accounting.

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Parisi has a three-decade career across entertainment, media and tech, working in finance, accounting, M&A, capital raising, and corporate development. He was most recently CFO of Break the Floor Productions in Hollywood, where he oversaw analysis of mergers and acquisitions, risk management and reduction of risk exposure.

Before that he was CFO at the NFL Hall of Fame Village and served as Senior Vice President of the Festivals Division of Live Nation Entertainment Inc. where he was responsible for developing strategic plans for EDM festivals. He’s also held leadership positions at Warner Bros. Entertainment and Universal Studios.

Andy Heyward, Chairman and CEO of Kartoon Studios said: “At this pivotal moment in Kartoon Studios’ evolution, Brian’s specialized skillset in financial management, coupled with his rich experience in the entertainment industry, could not be more timely or relevant.

“As a company, we have been steadfast in our commitment to streamline operations with a meticulous eye on cost control, aiming for long-term, sustainable growth and  profitability. In line with these goals, we are in the midst of executing a comprehensive strategy to reduce operating costs across the Company, as we grow our core businesses and brands. We believe that Brian’s deep financial expertise will not only augment our existing capabilities, but also serve as an invaluable resource in our mission to optimize financial performance, steer Kartoon Studios toward a profitable future, and enhance long-term shareholder value.”

“It is also important to acknowledge the exceptional work Bob Denton has done as our CFO. He has been a key figure in the evolution of this company—from its origins as Genius Brands, listed on Nasdaq, to its recent rebranding as Kartoon Studios, listed on the NYSE American.”

Kartoon Studios’ IP portfolio includes the Stan Lee brand. It runs Stan Lee’s Superhero Kindergarten, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger on its streaming platform Kartoon Channel!; along with Shaq’s Garage, starring Shaquille O’Neal, and Rainbow Rangers, which is also on Netflix; and Netflix original Llama Llama. T

The company’s wholly owned digital distribution network, Toon Media Group, consists of Kartoon Channel!, Kartoon Channel! Worldwide, Frederator Network, and Ameba.

Last year, Kartoon Studios acquired Canada’s WOW! Unlimited Media and made a strategic investment becoming the largest shareholder in Germany’s Your Family Entertainment, one of Europe’s leading distributors and broadcasters of high-quality programs for children and families. Both moves came a year before it changed its corporate brand identity from Genius Brands to Kartoon Studios.

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