Otis College Names Toy Industry Veteran Jennifer Caveza as New Toy Design Program Chair

The following article is based on a press release issued by Otis College on July 7, 2021.

July 7, 2021 | Otis College has announced Jennifer Caveza as the new chair of its Toy Design program, effective July 1.

Caveza previously served as assistant chair of the Toy Design program at Otis from 2001 to 2006, and most recently was senior vice president of toy licensing at ViacomCBS, where she oversaw licensing deals and identified new business opportunities for the entertainment company’s top global franchises. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for The Toy Association and Women in Toys, Licensing, and Entertainment.

Throughout her career in children’s entertainment, Caveza has managed world-renowned brands and held executive management roles at top toy companies, including Mattel and JAKKS Pacific, and at Grey Advertising, where she handled the Hasbro Parker Brothers’ Game account. Essential to her roles has been working with content creators to ensure their stories were translated to successful consumer products.

“I am so excited to welcome Jennifer back to Otis College," said Provost Jiseon Lee Isbara. "The experience and knowledge she has gained over the years will be invaluable for our students."

“Toys and play are such an important part of our world,” said Caveza. “Our students will shape the industry, impact society, and inspire generations to come. It will be my honor and privilege to empower them with the tools they need to succeed in their careers and lives.”

Otis College offers the only dedicated four-year toy design program in the world, with faculty and guest mentors who are toy design and entertainment professionals. Graduates finish the program well-versed in everything from conceptual and technical drawing to prototyping and storytelling, and go on to work for global companies such as Mattel, Spin Master, and Disney, to name just a few.

“We’re fortunate to be located in Los Angeles, a toy industry hub,” added Caveza. “Local companies support the program in many ways, including in the employment of our students.”

Caveza looks forward to collaborating with the toy industry on special projects and design initiatives and to fulfilling companies’ design needs with talented students and innovative ideas.

The Toy Association is a proud supporter of the Toy Design department at Otis College of Art and Design and offers Otis’ toy design students complimentary memberships in the Association so that they may take advantage of industry networking and other professional development opportunities.