American Greetings Boosts Licensing Marketing Team
American Greeting Corp. has created a new marketing position designed to boost licensing initiatives for the company.
Michael Dresner has joined American Greetings Properties as VP-marketing, effective April 24. In his new role, Dresner oversees marketing tactics and will develop new strategies for the company’s brands. He reports to Tamra Seldin, senior VP-consumer products, AG Properties.
Dresner previously worked as VP-global new brand development for Nickelodeon and Viacom Consumer Products, where he helped lead the company’s re-launch of the Holly Hobbie & Friends brand. Prior to that, he worked as director of brand management and new business development for The Beanstalk Group, a brand licensing agency/consultancy group.
In addition, American Greeting has hired Michele Schuessler as brand manager for AG Properties effective April 17. In her new role, Schuessler will oversee the Care Bears, Maryoku Yummy and other new American Greetings properties. Schuessler replaces Charlotte Bean who left the position to take another job within the company. Schuessler previously worked at Sesame Workshop as new business development manager, where she led the organization’s worldwide home video and audio businesses. She also worked as marketing manager for Sesame Workshop’s Global Consumer Products division, where she developed brand strategies for the organization’s licensing team.
American Greetings is best known for such popular properties as Strawberry Shortcake, Care Bears, Holly Hobbie and Twisted Whiskers. The Cleveland-based company, which also manufactures greetings cards, stationery, calendars, and ornaments, generates about $1.9 billion in sales each year.
