Skechers Signs Simpson
Manhattan Beach-based casual shoe maker Skechers USA, Inc. said Tuesday that it has signed platinum pop recording artist Ashlee Simpson for a global endorsement agreement through 2007.
Simpson will appear in a multi-level marketing campaign wearing Skechers sport, active and fashion footwear. Set to launch in late 2006, the first photo shoot is scheduled for August 2006 after she concludes the summer phase of her North American tour in support of her No. 1 sophomore release I Am Me.
“I grew up wearing Skechers,” the 21-year-old Simpson said in a statement. “Like me, they are not afraid of taking chances and having fun. I’m happy to be a part of the brand and hope to add a few more pairs to my closet.”
THQ Forms New Development Team
Agoura Hills-based interactive game maker THQ Inc. today announced the formation of its new development team, Incinerator Games, the latest addition to THQ’s growing internal Studio System.
Based in Carlsbad, Incinerator is comprised of veterans of the Twisted Metal, NFL GameDay and MLB 2006: The Show projects from Sony’s 989 studios, as well as the Midnight Club franchise from Rockstar. Incinerator is primarily focused on development for next generation consoles. Among its projects are next-generation console versions of Disney/Pixar’s latest blockbuster “Cars,” scheduled for release on the Xbox 360 platform this fall.
“The addition of Incinerator Games is another example of our dedication to
enhance and expand our internal development capabilities,” Jack Sorensen,
executive vice president of worldwide studios, said in a statement
Macerich to Lose COO
Santa Monica-based shopping center owner Macerich Company said Tuesday that David Contis, executive vice president and chief operating officer, will leave the company effective January 31, 2007, to become president of Equity Group Investments.
Equity Group Investments is a privately-held Chicago-based investment company founded by Sam Zell.
Radio Disney to Launch Mobile Channel
Burbank-based Walt Disney Co. said Tuesday that will partner with Emeryville-based wireless TV and radio services provider MobiTV Inc. to develop a Radio Disney mobile channel.
The MobiRadio venture complements Radio Disney’s most recent launch on mSpot, another mobile phone multimedia service, the company said. The MobiRadio service offers cellular subscribers live access to music, news, sports, weather and entertainment from the top artists and brands in talk radio.
