Snipple Group appoints Toumazis as new Chair
March 11, 2021
Global animation outfit, Snipple Group, has announced the appointment of a non-executive Chair; technology and media industry veteran Tom Toumazis MBE.
As Chair, Toumazis will provide vital support to initiate further commercial growth and advise on all aspects of business and corporate strategy. He will significantly expand Snipple’s network and help manage relationships between directors and investors, as well as lead on corporate governance and duty.
The news follows January’s announcement that Snipple have launched a new original content division to develop home-grown IP, backed by the UK’s most active growth investor BGF, who have invested £6 million.
A former FTSE CEO with a diverse blue-chip corporate background, Toumazis has held C-suite roles in the film and entertainment world at ITV, The Walt Disney Company, Eurosport, Endemol Shine and Yahoo! Tom’s appointment is the result of an introduction from BGF’s Talent Network, which is the UK’s largest pool of non-executive directors.
In his role as EVP/MD for EMEA and Canada of Disney-ABC-ESPN-Television, Toumazis was responsible for programme and channel distribution across all genres including children’s franchises.
As Chief Commercial Officer at Endemol, he was responsible for overall company growth, introducing new business opportunities includingTV distribution, merchandising and licensing, sport and scripted entertainment.
In the last five years, he has become a portfolio director, investor and adviser, focused on technology, media and the arts.
He’s a founder investor and Chair of four start-ups from a variety of industries including TV data analytics, online art, mobile games and exhibitions.
Toumazis says: “I was immediately inspired by the quality of Snipple’s animation and impressed by Kaine (CEO) and the global business he and the entire team have built. It’s also evident that BGF are extremely committed to helping us grow, and that’s something that’s been very encouraging for the whole business.”
He adds: “This content space is hugely appealing to me, having spent many years in this area. It’s a tremendous and exciting ambition to build an originals business and something that I wanted to be part of.”
Snipple Group CEO, Kaine Patel, adds: “Tom has incredible experience and commercial acumen. He is the perfect person to help take us to the next level. Combined with BGF, we have a stellar leadership team in place!”
Tom McDonnell, investor at BGF, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Tom Toumazis to Snipple. His appointment is another huge step forward in Snipple’s ambition to become a globally recognised animation production business. We look forward to working with Tom and Kaine on the next stage of the business’ growth.”