News Briefs

• News Briefs

  BIRKENSTOCK USA: Novato, CA, named Duncan/Channon its agency of record for the company’s iconic shoe brand. The San Rafael, CA-based agency will reposition Birkenstock with ads, P-O-P, catalogs and other consumer marketing. The brand has traditionally …

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  NBC OLYMPICS: has promoted Gary Zenkel to president of NBC Olympics effective Dec. 7. He had been the executive VP of NBC Olympics since 2001. Zenkel will be responsible for all business matters related to the Olympics, including new media initiatives, …

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  JOHN HEGEMAN: resigned last week from his post as president of worldwide marketing at Lions Gate Films, according to news reports. Hegeman, who started the position in August 2004, will leave his post before the end of the year. Lions Gate Films would …

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  ALASKA AIRLINES: has named Greg Latimer managing director of brand and product marketing, a newly created position. The position was effective Dec. 2. In his new role, Latimer oversees the airline’s in-flight catering and consumer research functions. …

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  AMERICAN GREETINGS CORP.: is offering ringtones of the Slinky jingle (“A spring, a spring, a wonderful thing, everyone knows it’s Slinky”), video clips from old commercials, screensavers and more through a deal with toymaker Poof-Slinky, Plymouth, MI. …

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  WARNER BROS. CONSUMER PRODUCTS: has chosen Italian retailer Dufry as its exclusive licensee in Italy. Under the new deal, the first Warner Bros. Studio store opens today at Rome’s Fiumicino Airport. Other stores, featuring toys and other items based on …

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  GENERAL MILLS: has inked a licensing deal with Senario, a Woodstock, IL-based designer and manufacturer of home and entertainment products. The deal includes a line of microbead and plush pillows featuring Trix, Coca Puffs, Count Chocula, Franken Berry, …

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  CARLSON COS.: CEO Mailyn Carlson Nelson has been named vice chair of the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board. The board helps U.S. Commerce Department Secretary Carlos Gutierrez (who appointed Nelson) set national tourism policy and attract more …

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  DREAMWORKS ANIMATION: and Activision have signed a new, multi-year agreement that gives Activision exclusive video game rights to upcoming feature films from the company. Activision will develop and publish video game products based on DreamWorks …

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  PROCTER & GAMBLE: has launched P&G Pro Line, a program targeting hotel housekeeping departments where its products, such as Downy, Tide, Spic and Span and Clorox, will be used exclusively. P&G sees hotels as an avenue for growth. It already provides …