Toronto, Canada – April 11, 2016 – 9 Story Media Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Blake Tohana as Chief Financial Officer. Tohana will report to President and CEO Vince Commisso, and lead overall financial reporting, corporate development, and risk management.
An accomplished finance executive, Tohana most recently served as CFO at Tricon Films & Television. Prior to his role at Tricon, Tohana held the position of Executive Vice-President and CFO of Magna Entertainment Corp. (MEC), North America’s largest horse racing company with media operations that included a U.S. television network and Internet wagering business. MEC was publicly traded on the TSX and NASDAQ with 5,000 employees and $1.1 billion in total assets.
“I am thrilled to welcome Blake to the 9 Story team,” said Vince Commisso. “His appointment fortifies our recent expansion and helps pave the way for future growth. Blake’s experience leading media and entertainment companies both large and small will be invaluable for our plans going forward.”
The company also announced changes to the management structure following its acquisition of Brown Bag Films. Steve Jarosz assumes an EVP role, responsible for production financing and compliance. Cathal Gaffney remains at the helm of Brown Bag Films and becomes Chief Operating Officer for 9 Story Media Group, overseeing production, technology and HR. Natalie Osborne becomes Chief Strategy Officer, leading the efforts on distribution, consumer products, acquisitions, marketing and business development while Natalie Dumoulin, VP Creative Affairs, will oversee a unified development team.
“We are now a team of 500, with locations in four different countries,” said Vince Commisso. “The changes to our management structure are an important step towards integration, designed to help us seize opportunities and achieve our strategic vision.”
9 Story Media Group Inc. is a leading content creator, marketer and distributor of kids & family focused intellectual property. Recognized around the world for best-in-class brands such as Daniel Tiger’s Neighbourhood, Wild Kratts, Numb Chucks and Peg + Cat, 9 Story represents over 2,150 half hours of animated and live action programming, seen on some of the most respected international channels and platforms. With one of North America’s largest animation studios, 9 Story employs over 275 creative and production staff in its Toronto facility and has produced over 900 half hours of award-winning children’s content. Last year 9 Story acquired the award winning animation studio Brown Bag Films, which employs over 170 staff members across Dublin, Manchester and Los Angeles. Brown Bag is recognized for producing leading animated children’s series such as Octonauts, Doc McStuffins, Bing Bunny and Henry Hugglemonster. 9 Story is owned by senior management, ZMC (Zelnick Media Capital) and media entrepreneur Neil Court. www.9story.com
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For further information:
Jennifer Ansley, Vice President, Marketing & Communications, 9 Story Media Group
+1 416 530-9900 ext 230, jennifera@9story.com