GLENDALE, Calif., July 31, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --DreamWorks Animation (Nasdaq: DWA) has named Paul Kurzawa to the newly created position of Head of Retail Development & Entertainment. Kurzawa previously served as Chief Operating Officer for Caruso Affiliated, overseeing all aspects of the company's diverse portfolio of real estate assets, including The Grove in Los Angeles, one of the most highly productive and successful retail shopping centers in the United States. In his new role, Kurzawa will be responsible for the Company's worldwide retail brand development and integration initiatives.
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This appointment continues a singular focus for DreamWorks Animation: to leverage the strength of its brand equity around the globe. Kurzawa and his team are tasked with exploring distinctive integration opportunities for the Company's growing branded family entertainment portfolio with top retail destinations and developments throughout the world. DreamWorks Animation's IP roster features the blockbuster franchise properties of Shrek, Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda, How to Train Your Dragon and Puss in Boots in addition to the extensive collection of beloved classic titles, including Where's Waldo?, Olivia, Noddy and Postman Pat and holiday classics including Santa Claus is Comin' to Town.
"As soon as we made the decision to expand our brand into the retail space, there was no doubt in my mind that we needed Paul Kurzawa," said DreamWorks Animation Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey Katzenberg. "Caruso Affiliated has successfully redefined the shopping experience in the United States and Paul, the protege of its founder Rick Caruso, will now lead our efforts to take the powerful DreamWorks brand and do the same thing for families across the world. We could not be happier to have him on our team leading the charge for this new initiative."
"I am thrilled to lead the team who will draw upon the rich brand equity of DreamWorks Animation to create the most distinctive shopping destinations in the world," added Kurzawa. "When you create unique shopping experiences, people develop an emotional attachment that keeps them coming back with their friends and loved ones. For years, shopping center owners and developers have struggled with how to differentiate their properties and keep them relevant, and I have no doubt that DreamWorks Animation's incredible portfolio will bring that magic to these unique shopping destinations."
Kurzawa has more than 20 years of experience working for the most highly respected and successful retail shopping center developers in the world including Westfield, Jones Lang Lasalle, Lend Lease and Caruso Affiliated. During his tenure at Caruso, The Grove and Americana at Brand in Los Angeles both ranked in the top 10 highest sales performing shopping centers in the world (ICSC Shopping Centers Today September 2012).
About DreamWorks Animation
DreamWorks Animation (Nasdaq: DWA) creates high-quality entertainment, including CG animated feature films, television specials and series and live entertainment properties, meant for audiences around the world. The Company has world-class creative talent, a strong and experienced management team and advanced filmmaking technology and techniques. DreamWorks Animation has been named one of the "100 Best Companies to Work For" by FORTUNE® Magazine for five consecutive years. In 2013, DreamWorks Animation ranks #12 on the list. All of DreamWorks Animation's feature films are produced in 3D. The Company has theatrically released a total of 27 animated feature films, including the franchise properties of Shrek, Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda, How to Train Your Dragon, Puss In Boots, and The Croods.
SOURCE DreamWorks Animation SKG
