Turner names vice president for Cartoon Network Enterprises

To report to Sunny Saha, senior vice president and managing director, entertainment networks at TBS Asia Pacific, Tinker will assume the leadership of CNE’s regional licensing and merchandise strategy, planning and network collaboration for Turner’s franchises such as Ben 10, Adventure Time, The Amazing World of Gumball and The Powerpuff Girls.

With over 15 years of industry experience focused on crafting licensing strategies for brand expansion, she is tasked to drive further growth for CNE in Asia Pacific.

“Melissa is joining the CNE team at a time of unprecedented growth for our business in Asia,” Saha commented on the appointment. “With Melissa’s proven track record within the industry, CNE will be taken to even greater heights as she identifies innovative partnerships that create more opportunities for brand engagement.”

Tinker’s appointment coincides with CNE’s robust expansion across the region, which includes branded learning centres and themed destinations in addition to the growth of traditional categories of toys, apparel, home entertainment, publishing and lifestyle products.

She was most recently with Chorion in Australia, as senior vice president of licensing, Asia Pacific, where she was credited with turning an underperforming region into one that exceeded annual sales targets for brands such as Mr. Men and Little Miss, Noddy, Octonauts, Beatrix Potter and Olivia.

She was also previously with Haven Licensing as business manager, managing a portfolio of international and domestic licensors, namely Universal Studios, MTV Networks/Nickelodeon and ACP.

“I see endless opportunity with such powerhouse brands and the exceptional content Turner has to offer,” Tinker said. “I am very much looking forward to developing regional initiatives to support the franchise partners and introducing new partners to the business.”