LA’s Saban Capital hires former 20th Century Fox exec as managing director

Dekel, previously head of licensing and merchandising for 20th Century Fox, will be based in Los Angeles and report to SCG president and COO Adam Chesnoff.

He will focus on expanding the firm’s licensing, merchandising and intellectual property opportunities in the US and internationally.

“I am thrilled that Elie has decided to re-join the Saban team,” said Haim Saban, chairman and CEO of SCG. “I worked with Elie for many years at Fox Kids and Fox Family and look forward to the knowledge and array of skills that he will bring to Saban Capital Group. His wealth of experience across numerous platforms will be a valuable asset as we explore new opportunities in the licensing, merchandising and intellectual property arenas.”

Chesnoff added, “Elie has a proven track record of success in pursuing licensing, merchandising and intellectual property opportunities across an impressive range of categories, from film and television to interactive gaming and E-commerce. We are confident that he will add a critical new dimension to the firm and will play a key role in implementing creative new ideas to complement and enhance our long-term growth strategy.”

As head of licensing and merchandising for 20th Century Fox, Dekel oversaw the worldwide licensing, promotion and consumer products marketing for many of their film and television ventures, including The Simpsons, Family Guy and Ice Age.

Prior to that, Dekel worked as an agent at the Creative Artists Agency, specialising in content creation and marketing, brand integration and licensing for several of the Agency’s clients such as retailer Kmart and toy giant Hasbro. Previously, Dekel was president of Saban Consumer Products/Fox Family Worldwide, where he oversaw the company’s worldwide marketing and branding efforts.

“I am thrilled to be joining Saban Capital Group and look forward to again working side-by-side with Haim, Adam and the rest of the talented team as we continue to expand our focus in media, entertainment and communications,” Dekel said.

Founded in 2001 by Haim Saban, Saban Capital invests in both public and private companies worldwide and across all stages including early stage venture capital as well as later stage private equity deals. The firm’s current portfolio includes investments in Univision, a Spanish-language media company in the US; Bezeq, Israel’s largest telecommunications service provider; and Next New Networks, an online video and content production company. Prior investments include ProSiebenSat.1, Germany's biggest television group and Fox Family Worldwide, a 1998 joint venture between Haim Saban and News Corporation.

Haim Saban co-founded Saban Entertainment in 1988. The US TV production company produced the popular children's programme Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, as well as adapting several Japanese anime shows for the American market, including The Mysterious Cities of Gold. 

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