Falcon’s Beyond Global, a fully integrated development enterprise for IP-driven parks, resorts, media and merchandise, has appointed Simon Philips, a former Disney, Marvel and Moonbug executive, to the newly-created position of president. Philips was previously a senior advisor to the Falcon’s Beyond board. His innovative approach to brand building has helped shape the strategic direction of iconic brands such as Disney, Pixar, Star Wars, Marvel, CoComelon, Pokémon, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Yu-Gi-Oh.
Philips most recently held the position of managing director of global consumer products at Moonbug Entertainment, the business that created CoComelon, Blippi, and Little Angel. His extensive knowledge will contribute to Falcon’s strong synergy in entertainment and consumer products. Philips has transferred to the Falcon corporate office in Orlando, where he reports to CEO Cecil D. Magpuri.
New president will oversee future growth and expansion
In his new role with Falcon’s Beyond, Philips will oversee the company’s intellectual property creation as well as future corporate growth and expansion in the entertainment industry. This will entail creating and implementing thorough corporate growth strategies for the company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. Philips will also concentrate on strategically building the infrastructure of new consumer products and entertainment content by leveraging his extensive industry knowledge and connections.
“When I became Senior Advisor to the Board last year, I commented that Falcon’s Beyond is playing in a vast sandbox,” says Philips. “Since last year, I have been so impressed with the Company’s mark on the industry. This is a terrific time to join the team for what we expect to be explosive growth in the industry. I appreciate the opportunity to bring more than 30 years of experience and insight to Falcon’s and am thrilled about the abundant opportunities we will pursue together.”
Magpuri adds: “Simon’s reputation and acclaim in entertainment has been truly inspirational for me and the greater Falcon’s team. His visionary cross-channel approach to brand expansion will further strengthen our own IP Expander flywheel. We feel incredibly fortunate to have found someone of Simon’s caliber whose values are so perfectly aligned with Falcon’s culture.”
Experience with Marvel and Disney
Philips previously held the position of president at Marvel Entertainment International. As a member of the executive team, he helped Marvel become a well-known brand around the world and prepared the ground for its sale to Disney. Later, he rose to the position of executive vice president and general manager of The Walt Disney Company’s operations in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, where he used a strategic approach to bring to life recognisable brands from the Disney, Star Wars, Pixar, and Marvel portfolios, generating more than $16 billion in annual sales through licensing.
Via a binding merger agreement with FAST Acquisition Corp. II, a special purpose acquisition firm created by Doug Jacob and headed by Sandy Beall, Falcon’s Beyond announced plans to go public last year. The new combined business will be known as “Falcon’s Beyond Global, Inc.” after the transaction closes, and it is anticipated that it will be listed on Nasdaq under the ticker code “FBYD.”
Falcon’s Beyond also recently announced the grand opening of Falcon’s Resorts by Meliá | All Suites Punta Cana, along with the opening of the adjacent Katmandu Park | Punta Cana.
