New division will focus on consumer-centric initiatives and direct-to-consumer product strategies.

Turner has launched a new international division focused on leading its digital ventures and innovation.

Aksel van der Wal, senior vice president and chief financial officer, has been promoted to the new role of executive vice president, digital ventures and innovation, for Turner’s international operations.

The new division will focus on driving growth through international consumer-based initiatives, including all of Turner’s international multi-platform suite of digital properties and its direct-to-consumer product strategy.

In van der Wal’s new position, he will be responsible for the existing portfolio of international digital products and services as well as developing new digital direct-to-consumer businesses, driving consumer insight, managing internal infrastructure and helping to implement the non-linear ad sales business strategy.

Van der Wal joined Turner EMEA in 2014 as chief financial officer and was promoted to senior vice president and chief financial officer international in June 2015. Before joining the company, he served as chief executive officer of Time Out. He has also held positions with Seatwave, Vodafone and PricewaterhouseCoopers.

“As our industry undergoes huge evolution, the impact of digital disruption and changing consumer behavior continues to put audience insight right at the heart of our business strategy,” says Gerhard Zeiler, president, Turner International. “This new division will ensure that we assess new opportunities for innovation, development and acquisition through the lens of relevant, robust consumer data and through a realigned, agile organizational structure. Aksel’s experience in transformative management, his first-class understanding of both the linear and digital media landscapes, and his detailed knowledge of Turner’s international operation, all combine to make him a superb fit for this new role.”