Brian Maeda

Brian Maeda has a diverse and extensive work experience, spanning across various industries and roles. Brian is currently serving as the Chief Business Development Officer at Tru Kids Brands since November 2020.

Prior to this, Brian held the position of VP, International Licensing at WWE from May 2017 to September 2020. In this role, they successfully managed the consumer products business outside of North America, focusing on global licensee support, local licensee business development, and retail development for various product categories.

Before their tenure at WWE, Brian worked at Saban Brands as the VP, Business Development & Consumer Products from April 2013 to May 2017. Brian managed the master toy and videogame license for the Power Rangers brand, nurturing global relationships with strategic partners and exploring acquisition opportunities for new animation distribution.

Brian also has work experience at Microsoft, where they held multiple roles from 2005 to 2013. Brian served as an Account Manager, Strategic Partner Manager, supporting videogame publishers, and managing C-suite stakeholders in North America. Additionally, they worked as a Business Strategy and Development Manager, supporting internal studio management and fostering relationships with external game developers. Brian also served as a Senior Licensing Business Development Manager, particularly focusing on franchise development.

Furthermore, Brian has worked at Lucasfilm as the International Licensing Manager from August 2003 to October 2005. In this role, they expanded deal volume, negotiated licensing agreements for Star Wars and Indiana Jones in Asia Pacific and Latin America, and managed relationships with licensing agents and major international retailers.

Previously, Brian worked as an Independent Consultant, representing Strike Entertainment Inc. and securing a multi-year feature film distribution output deal in Japan. Brian also represented a Korean feature film distributor and exhibitor, Showbox Inc.

Brian's earlier roles include positions at AtomEntertainment as the Asia Business Development Director and at GAGA Corporation as the Executive Vice President. At AtomEntertainment, they focused on business development in Asia, and at GAGA Corporation, they acquired Japanese distribution rights and acted as a liaison for the parent company.

Lastly, Brian started their career at Time Inc. as the Manager, Advertising Sales for the Japan Edition of Time Magazine. Brian generated print advertising sales revenue, specifically targeting Japanese subsidiaries of international brands to supplement overall regional and worldwide sales efforts.

Brian Maeda attended UCLA where they obtained a Bachelor's degree in Sociology. Brian also participated in the Japanese Language Program, Center for Japanese Studies at Keio University.