Turner Broadcasting System Asia Pacific has named Melissa Tinker as VP of its licensing and merchandise division at Cartoon Network Enterprises (CNE). Tinker’s appointment coincides with its 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.

Reporting to Sunny Saha, SVP and MD of Entertainment Networks at Turner Broadcasting System Asia Pacific, Tinker will assume the leadership of CNE’s regional licensing and merchandise strategy, planning and network collaboration for Ben 10, Adventure Time, The Amazing World of Gumball and The Powerpuff Girls.

Tinker brings more than 15 years of industry experience focused on crafting licensing strategies for brand expansion. She joins CNE after six years at Chorion in Australia where, as SVP of licensing in Asia Pacific, she turned an underperforming region into one that exceeded annual sales targets for brands including Mr. Men and Little Miss, Noddy, Octonauts, Beatrix Potter and Olivia. Prior to Chorion, Tinker was a business manager at Haven Licensing, where she managed a portfolio of international and domestic licensors including Universal Studios, MTV Networks/Nickelodeon and ACP.

Over the past four years, Cartoon Network Enterprises has experienced significant double-digit growth in Asia Pacific, and last year achieved a 27 % year-on-year increase in revenue. More than 350 million products were purchased across the region for Cartoon Network’s key properties including Ben 10, Ben 10 Alien Force, Ben 10 Ultimate Alien, Gwen, The Powerpuff Girls and Generator Rex. This year, The Amazing World of Gumball and Adventure Time will also launch products.