Activision launches Consumer Products division
Mattel and Disney exec Tim Kilpin named as CEO and President
Activision Blizzard has launched a Consumer Products division, which will encompass IP from Activision, Blizzard and King.
Tim Kilpin has been named CEO and president of the department, and is part of Activision's bid to grow its brands outside of gaming.
Despite operating some major IP such as Call of Duty and Skylanders, Activision has been relatively reluctant to expand these brands into TV shows, movies or other forms of entertainment. That changed in 2015 with the launch of the firm's Studios division, which has been working on a Skylanders TV series and Call of Duty movie.
The firm has been a little more active in the consumer products space, although to varying degrees and mostly via licensing. There has been Call of Duty clothing and toys, Skylanders had a rather robust licensing program, whereas Blizzard IP is often made into figurines, books and other merchandise. This new arm will unite all the activity into one department, with Kilpin leading 'the development of innovative consumer products'.
"Inspiring play, competition, and community underpins everything we do, and giving audiences new ways to experience our franchises is core to this commitment," said Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick. "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."
Kilpin added: "Activision Blizzard is a global entertainment powerhouse and its combination of iconic franchises and massive audience reach offers incredible opportunities for retailers and partners," said 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."
Kilpin was previously president and chief commercial office of Mattel, and has worked on bradns including Hot Wheels, Monster High and Barbie. Prior to that, he was VP of franchise management at The Walt Disney Company, working on Disney Princess, Mickey Mouse and Pixar properties.