In this new role, he will be responsible for the wider development of the company's intellectual property, increasing income and developing greater commercial benefits from existing, future and third-party IPs. He will work closely with Frances O'Brien, head of children's entertainment, and report to Ben Gray, head of the consumer entertainment business unit. Collins will manage the licensing, TV, syndication and digital project teams and work closely with these departments to identify and exploit opportunities.

DC Thomson is a privately owned company that publishes titles in the children's market including "The Beano," "Dandy," "Shout" and "Commando." Its' library also includes classic titles such as "Jackie," "Bunty" and "Judy." Additionally, the company publishes market leading consumer magazines and newspapers. The DC Thomson group also includes book publishers, Parragon and leading digital company Brightsolid.