Turner Asia Pacific has appointed Vikram Sharma, Vice President of Cartoon Network Enterprises (CNE) to head its regional licensing and merchandising division.
In the new profile, Sharma is tasked with driving sales across the whole region for its branded toys, apparel, home entertainment, publishing and lifestyle products, as well as live events and themed entertainment. Major franchises and IP under CNE’s management from the Cartoon Network portfolio of shows including Ben 10, We Bare Bears, Adventure Time, The Amazing World of Gumball and The Powerpuff Girls, as well as Adult Swim’s Rick and Morty.
Before joining Turner, Sharma held various key positions in Disney across Asia including Singapore and India. He’s a proven commercial leader with successful stints in overall P&L management and in different aspects of sales and distribution, with a special focus on retail and franchise monetization. Most recently he led Disney’s consumer products business in Thailand, a key location for Turner’s CNE business.
His responsibility also includes the management of Tuzki, the digital IP and emoticon of choice in China and beyond. In South Asia, Turner acts as a representative for Warner Bros. Consumer Products.
Commenting on the new appointment, Ricky Ow, President of Turner Asia Pacific, said: “The potential of the CNE business is immense and with Vikram leading the charge, we know it can be realized. We are incredibly pleased to have attracted someone with his track record and have high hopes that fans of our amazing IP and franchises will have products that match their passion.”
EMEA President Giorgio Stock, who also spearheads Cartoon Network Enterprises for Turner internationally, will work closely with the CNE team in Asia Pacific to maintain consistency and strategic direction for the business outside of the US.
Cartoon Network Enterprises, the licensing and merchandising arm of Turner Asia Pacific, is responsible for building world-class licensing programs. Its franchises include The Powerpuff Girls, Ben 10, Adventure Time, We Bare Bears, The Amazing World of Gumball and Rick and Morty, as well as other Cartoon Network and Adult Swim originals. CNE connects with millions of Cartoon Network fans through consumer and home entertainment products, promotional licensing, interactive games, publishing and live events.
Turner also owns Tuzki, the digital IP for a new generation. Turner represents the Warner Bros. Consumer Products business, managing world-famous IP such as Batman, Superman, Tom and Jerry, and Looney Tunes in South-Asia.
