Preston Kevin Lewis has been promoted to general manager of Warner Bros. Consumer Products U.K. and Ireland, from his current role as managing director, WBCP Australia, New Zealand and India.

Lewis will lead the U.K. team in managing and developing a diverse portfolio of brands and licensees, with responsibility for promoting retailer cross-category plans.

An eight-year Warner Bros. veteran, Lewis has extensive experience in all aspects of licensing, including strategic planning, operations, marketing, branding and retail sales. He began his career with HBO, where he held various roles include director of marketing for its U.S. home video business in the late ‘90s. From there, he enjoyed successful stints at MTV and The Walt Disney Company before joining WBCP in Burbank as vice president of international licensing in 2006.

Beginning Sept. 1, WBCP Australia/New Zealand will be led jointly by Tim Everett, who has been promoted to director of licensing and sales, and Andrew Bromell, director of retail activation, marketing and themed entertainment.

“We’re delighted that Preston has accepted the offer to move to the U.K.,” said Josh Berger, president and managing director, Warner Bros. U.K., Ireland and Spain, and Pilar Zulueta, executive vice president and general manager, EMEA, WBCP (to whom Lewis will report), in a joint statement. “He is a top-drawer executive with an enviable track record that has seen him transform Warner Bros. Consumer Products’ operation in Australia and New Zealand by establishing strategic partnerships with a multitude of big-name brands, and leading the division into a variety of new businesses including fashion, accessories, promotions and toys. Based on the experience of working with him already, we have no doubt he will prove to be a terrific addition to the U.K. team.”