Recognized throughout the children's entertainment industry as a leading business and brand-builder, Michael's numerous achievements have helped shape today's era of animation production and distribution. In 2004, Michael spearheaded the creation of Cookie Jar Group, along with Toper Taylor. In a short period of time, he has been responsible for turning Cookie Jar Group into one of the world's preeminent edutainment studios.
Michael is also co-creator and executive producer of Cookie Jar Entertainment's hit show for preschoolers, "The Doodlebops". Michael's distinguished career in children's entertainment began in 1971, when co-founded Nelvana Limited. He played a pivotal role in transforming Nelvana into a world-class animation company and developed and produced many of television's most celebrated animated programming. He also pioneered many of the worldwide co-production, marketing and distribution techniques that have become standard industry practice.
Michael also co-founded Teletoon, Canada's leading animation network.
Toper Taylor President and Chief Operating Officer of Cookie Jar Entertainment
Among the most respected executives in children's and family entertainment, Toper co-founded Cookie Jar with Michael Hirsh in 2004. In the company's brief history Toper has successfully led the development, production, distribution and marketing of six new productions with anchor broadcast destinations in the US. Toper has also built an unparalled worldwide staff, has broken through online with phenomenally successful immersive websites and has forged new partnerships in Europe, Asia and North America.
Prior to founding Cookie Jar, Toper served as president of Nelvana for more than a decade. Under his guidance, Nelvana forged successful home video associations with all the major studios; developed successful toy lines and launched landmark book publishing deals. As a direct result of Toper's stewardship, Nelvana's brand-launching track record was unparalleled in the industry, airing over 20 series in the U.S. alone during one broadcast season.
Toper is a graduate of the University of Southern California where he is the co-chairman of the Board of Councilors of the School of Fine Arts and one of the founders of the Television Board of Directors for the School of Cinema-Television.
Aaron Ames CFO of Cookie Jar Group
Aaron joined Cookie Jar to provide financial leadership. He brings 20 years of extensive financial and operational experience to this position.
Most recently, Aaron was CFO at Coretec Inc., Centenario Copper Corporation, and Atlas Cold Storage. Prior to that, he held senior financial positions at Open Text Corporation and Ontario Power Generation Inc.
Aaron earned his Masters in Accounting from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio and is a Chartered Accountant and Certified Public Accountant.
