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Genius Brands International Appoints Rebecca Hershinger as Chief Financial Officer [Kuwait News Agency](Kuwait News Agency Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Genius Brands International, Inc., a global brand management company dedicated to providing entertaining and enriching content with a purpose for toddlers to tweens, and its Board of Directors have appointed veteran senior financial and accounting executive Rebecca Hershinger as Chief Financial Officer. Additionally GBI has promoted Controller Matthew Kornberg to Vice President of Finance, with increased responsibilities. The announcement was made today by GBI's Chairman and CEO Andy Heyward, to whom Hershinger will report. As Chief Financial Officer, Hershinger will be responsible for the Company's SEC filings, including the issuance of its quarterly and annual financial reports, as well as the interaction with the Company's independent accounting firm and the audit committee. Additionally, she will supervise GBI's finance and accounting staff and monitor all internal control and accounting systems. Rebecca's background as VP of Finance and Corporate Development at MGM, her previous background at JP Morgan, and her MBA from Wharton, underscore her tiffany pedigree, said Heyward. She contributes exactly the type of expertise we need, and we're already realizing the benefits of her intellect, experience and knowledge of our industry. And, we are proud to recognize Matt, whose excellent work, meticulous attention to detail, and strategic thinking have earned him a promotion to Vice President of Finance. Together, they will lead a very strong financial team with tested experience with the market and in our industry. Hershinger, 40 years old, began working with GBI in early 2014 through CFO Advisory Services, Inc., a corporation she founded that provides accounting and business advisory services to private and public companies. She previously served as CFO of the publicly traded start-up SpectrumDNA, Inc. where she oversaw all corporate accounting and finance functions including financial reporting, financial planning related to new product launches and growth initiatives, and fundraising. Additionally, for six years, Hershinger held finance and corporate development positions at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Inc., in which she was responsible for various finance functions related to M&A analysis, cross-collateralized slate film financing vehicles, and motion picture deal analysis. She also served as an Investment Banking Analyst for JP Morgan Chase & Co., covering clients in the entertainment, real estate and hotels & gaming industries. Hershinger received a Masters of Business Administration in Finance from The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Georgetown University. Kornberg, who joined GBI in April 2014 as Controller, takes on additional financial responsibilities including business affairs, banking, financial forecasting, manufacturing management, human resources, production accounting, cash management, and contract compliance. He continues to be responsible for maximizing the financial assets of the company by establishing strategic financial policies while overseeing the daily operations of the company's finance and accounting unit. Kornberg, a Certified Public Accountant, is also charged with providing financial analysis for capital investments, debt, pricing policies and contract negotiations. Kornberg, 27 years old, joined Genius Brands International from BDO USA, where he served as an assurance associate. In that capacity, Kornberg was responsible for detailed testing, analytical analysis, and financial statement preparation for clients across varied industries, including distribution, entertainment, financial services, manufacturing, retail, real estate and venture capital. Previously, Kornberg held various positions in Finance and Business Development with such companies as InTheMO.com Interactive Marketing, The Ozurovich Group, Kayne Anderson Capital Advisors, Ticketmaster Entertainment and Overbrook Entertainment. Kornberg earned his Master's degree in Professional Accounting from the University of Texas at Austin, McCombs School of Business after completing his undergraduate degree in Economics at University of Southern California. These appointments come amidst a period of tremendous growth across all divisions of GBI. The Company recently appointed two new senior executives to lead its consumer products' division and assumed responsibility for six additional brands (From Frank, Psycho Bunny, Wowee Toys, Archie Comics and Celessence). Distribution of GBI's animated content continues to expand with agents recently being appointed in Asia and Latin America and new broadcast deals signed for Secret Millionaires Club, Stan Lee's Mighty 7 and Thomas Edison's Secret Lab around the globe. Additionally, GBI just announced the launch of Warren Buffett's Secret Millionaires Club's 4th annual Grow Your Own Business Challenge, anticipated to draw thousands of kids to participate in the national contest that encourages entrepreneurship. All KUNA right are reserved (c) 2014 Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info). |