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Spalding said, "This is an extremely exciting time for us
in the US and Olivier's promotion marks the growing importance of
this market for the division and the further opportunities offered
by the broader territory. Olivier has made a significant impact
on the growth of the business and I am confident that, with his
great talent and experience, he and his team will be able to build
upon FremantleMedia Licensing Worldwide's existing reputation and
success and further strengthen our position as leading ancillary
rights experts in the region."
Prior to joining FremantleMedia, Gers founded and led two different
start-ups. The first, Odaddy.Com, was a website that put parenting
in 'guy-speak' and provided the first ever online community for
fathers. Gers also founded and set up Fulcrum Group, a consultancy
offering opportunity assessment, strategic repositioning and interim
management services to overseas companies looking to increase their
presence in North America. Among his clients were BBC Worldwide
Americas, Broadway Video and the French online sports venture, Sport4fun
SA.
From 1995 to 2000 Gers served as Vice President, Strategic Planning
and Business Manager for the internet, entertainment and novelty
divisions of Golden Books Family Entertainment. Under his direction
these divisions became the company's most profitable business areas,
generating more than $50 million in revenue.
In addition, Gers revitalised some of the company's most popular
yet under-utilised properties, including Pat the Bunny and
Poky Little Puppy, by beefing up merchandising, licensing,
video and music.
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