Animaccord Announces CEO Hire for its DTC Division

Clark Stacey will be responsible for the development of Animaccord DTC’s ambitious MASHAVERSE project

Animaccord DTC, a partnership formed earlier this year within the Animaccord Group and a coalition of entertainment and technology investors, has announced the hiring of Clark Stacey to lead the venture as its CEO.

Stacey, who led Animal Jam and Tag With Ryan developer WildWorks prior to its acquisition by Nazara Technologies in 2022, brings over 25 years of experience in game development, publishing, and studio operations to the new role. In addition to managing an existing catalog of over 40 games across multiple platforms, Stacey will be responsible for the development of Animaccord DTC’s ambitious MASHAVERSE project.

The MASHAVERSE will unite and expand this audience in a revolutionary digital hub world that combines education, entertainment, and immersive storytelling.

Claus Tomming, CEO of parent company Animaccord LTD, noted:

“Now more than ever parents are looking for children’s entertainment brands they can trust online. Kids love the world Masha inhabits, and it’s become one of those special places that parents love visiting with them. The MASHAVERSE project will transport them together to the heart of Masha’s world and bring them into the story in ways that weren’t possible before.”

Stacey expressed excitement to be joining Animaccord at such a critical juncture:

“I’m thrilled to be joining a team that has brought so much pure fun to millions of kids in every corner of the world. Masha fans of all ages can look forward to discovering incredible experiences together in a world where kids are the stars and creative play is the fundamental ethos.”

Raman Nambiar, CEO of Animaccord DTC partner technology company CGU, is also focused on the depth and quality of interactive experiences for younger kids. Nambiar said:

“Preschool audiences are no longer satisfied with just consuming endless hours of content through a TV screen. They want to play a part in interacting with their much-loved characters and creating their own individual journeys. We are excited about contextualizing this experience with the technologies available in 2024 and beyond.”

The Mashaverse will begin rolling out a sequence of interactive experiences by Q1 2025, including a persistent Masha game world, new and exciting activities, digital collectibles, and a range of AI-powered educational initiatives.