Cartoon Network Enterprises has appointed Ilissa Howard to the newly created position of director of product development for North and South Asia.

Howard, who will be based in Hong Kong, will be responsible for the overall CNE business in Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, South Asia and Taiwan. She will also lead product development and collaborate with the creative team on new portfolios for Cartoon Network Originals, acquisitions and regional properties. Howard joins CNE from Toys"R"Us, where she served as global brand director. She's also worked at Disney and Mattel/Fisher-Price.

"Ilissa joins CNE with a wealth of experience in global merchandising and licensing and in particular the toy industry," says Dulce Lim-Chen, vice president of CNE Asia Pacific. "We are confident that her extensive knowledge and keen business acumen will further strengthen Cartoon Network's position as a leading entertainment and lifestyle brand that truly animates kids' lives and CNE's position as one of the industry's leading licensors. We are delighted to welcome Ilissa to the Cartoon Network family."