The most recent changes come as a resultant desire or need to "consolidate" in order to "build up" the potential for future success, according to David Levy, President of Turner Broadcasting Sales. The realignment of the Ad Sales division affects Cartoon Network and older brother network Adult Swim, and their marketing and promotional strategies. The first big shift after the 2008 Upfront press event [related A.I. news: "CN Upfront 2008 Overview"], both the Cartoon Network and Adult Swim cable networks perhaps looks to have a long year head of them.
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John O'Hara has been promoted to the position of Executive Vice President of Ad Sales and Marketing for Cartoon Network and Adult Swim; and Christina Miller has had her role expanded to the position of Vice President of Consumer Products (Global) for Cartoon Network Enterprises.
"Because of the rapidly expanded dynamics of the marketplace and changes happening within the industry, including our own networks, it has become necessary for us to consolidate our resources to maximize and build upon our success," Levy is quoted commenting. "Stu [Snyder] and I are confident the changes we are implementing will result in our being a stronger division and provide a basis for the continued growth of our ad sales divisions and Cartoon Network Enterprises."
O'Hara's previous work at Cartoon Network involved applying his experience in corporate relations with advertisers and marketplace analysis as svp and general sales manager, John O'Hara's new position begins immediately, reporting to Levy and Stu Snyder, President and COO of Turner Animation, Young Adults & Kids Media. This staff change and others, per internal accounts, is for the streamlining of duties and further isolation and focus on areas of potential growth. John O'Hara has been with Cartoon Network since 1999.
Christina Miller, similarly, will find herself in a new position, effective immediately, which sees her current duties expanded. Previously the vp of domestic consumer products, Miller will now oversee Cartoon Network Enterprises efforts on a global scale, which includes brands established by Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, and Boomerang as well. She has been with Cartoon Network since 2005.
On the flipside of the coin, Cartoon Network has been forced to let go or see the resignation of three contributors whose represented, as President of Turner Broadcasting's Ad Sales group, David Levy commented: "a tremendous amount" of talent whose efforts for the company were not in vain. Leaving the company are Beth Goss (now fmr. Vice President, Carton Network Ad Sales), John Friend (now fmr. Senior Vice President, Cartoon Network Enterprises), and Phyllis Ehrlich (now fmr. Senior Vice President, Cartoon Network & Adult Swim Ad Sales, Marketing and Promotions). Both John Friend and Phyllis Ehrlich had previously reported directly to Goss.
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"John and Christina have distinguished themselves in their respective areas with the company and we have complete confidence they will thrive in their new roles."
He continued: "We're pleased and we feel very good about things in regard to where it all ended up in this year's upfront […] We secured strong growth in both volume and pricing."
According to an article on the matter published over at MediaWeek.com, Turner brands found sales success at the 2008 Upfront presentations having triumphantly secured cost-per-thousand increases between 9% and 10%, while boosting dollar volume by as much as 25% versus the 2007 upfront take.
(Sources: KidScreen Magazine, MediaWeek.com)