Goss to head new Universal division

UNIVERSAL CITY, CA — Universal Pictures has combined its franchise, brand and licensing areas into one division called The Brand Group.

Beth Goss, who has been promoted to executive vp from the post of senior vp, promotions, will head this new division, where she will spearhead the effort to extract the value of all of Universal Pictures' brands across its business units globally, including film, television, home entertainment and theme parks.

Reporting to Marc Shmuger, vice chairman, Goss will oversee consumer products, promotions, franchise strategy and franchise management.

Goss will also work with Universal Pictures' marketing co-president Eddie Egan to oversee promotions.