Activision Blizzard has launched a new consumer products division that will further bolster its global growth strategy by creating new ways for fans to connect with its franchises and characters.

April 6, 2018

2 Min Read

Former Mattel and Disney executive Tim Kilpin will serve as the division’s CEO and president.

Activision Blizzard has launched a new consumer products division that will further bolster its global growth strategy by creating new ways for fans to connect with its franchises and characters.

The new division will also serve as a pillar in the video game company’s expansion of its platforms through which it offers its properties to audiences, including interactive content, television, film, competitive gaming and mobile.

Tim Kilpin, a veteran Mattel and Disney executive, has been named as the division’s chief executive officer and president.

Activision Publishing, Blizzard Entertainment and King Digital’s consumer product teams will also join the new division.

“Inspiring play, competition and community underpins everything we do, and giving audiences new ways to experience our franchises is core to this commitment,” says Bobby Kotick, chief executive officer, Activision Blizzard. “Under Tim’s leadership, we will elevate our consumer product offerings to the same level of exceptional quality as our games and transform the ways audiences connect with the characters they love in their everyday lives.”

In his new role, Kilpin will lead the development of consumer products to expand and deepen audience engagement with Activision Blizzard’s franchise through long-term retail partnerships, products and new consumer experiences.

Prior to joining Activision blizzard, Kilpin served as Mattel’s president and chief commercial officer. Previously, he served as executive vice president for Mattel’s boys and girls division–leading global brand strategy, marketing, product design and development, consumer products and content develop for the company’s brands, including Barbie, Hot Wheels and Monster High.

Before that, he was the executive vice president of franchise management for The Walt Disney Company, where he oversaw global cross-category franchise plans for Disney Princess, Winnie the Pooh, Mickey Mouse and Pixar properties.

Activision Publishing is the No. 122 largest licensor in the world, according to License Global’s annual Top 150 Global Licensors report, with $140 million in retail sales of licensed merchandise worldwide in 2015.

 “Activision Blizzard is a global entertainment powerhouse, and its combination of iconic franchises and massive audience reach offers incredible opportunities for retailers and partners,” says Kilpin. “I’m excited to lead this newly-formed division and join Activision Blizzard’s already incredibly talented consumer products team in delivering powerful new partnerships and even more touchpoints to audiences.”

Mike Sepso, senior vice president of Activision Blizzard Media Networks and founder of Major League Gaming, will be offering exclusive insights into the world of e-sports at the NYC Licensing Summit, March 2-3.
To find out more and buy tickets while they last, click here.

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