Veteran brand marketing and promotion executive Brenda Freeman has been named to the newly created position of chief marketing officer for Turner Animation, Young Adults & Kids Media. In her new role, Freeman will provide overall vision and leadership to all areas of marketing, on-air and trade creative services that support the cable television networks Cartoon Network, Adult Swim and Boomerang, along with their online businesses, and the digital enterprises GameTap and Super Deluxe. Her duties will include developing the strategic marketing plans directed at building these businesses among key constituencies -- viewers, users, ad sales clients, promotional partners, affiliates and industry trade communities. Freeman began her new responsibilities January 1, 2008, and will be based in Atlanta, reporting directly to Stuart Snyder, EVP/COO of Turner Broadcasting System Inc.
"Brenda brings with her an impressive track record of experience and leadership that has helped build the growth and success of several major entertainment and consumer brands," said Snyder. "With our multiple media properties now aligned under a single umbrella covering kids and young adults, we wanted to install a formidable marketing visionary who could leverage the assets of each business to help build and increase their collective impact. We're delighted that Brenda has accepted this new challenge and look forward to her contributions as we continue to form our distinctive voice and brand identities."
Previously, Freeman was SVP of integrated marketing and promotions for Nickelodeon and MTVN Kids and Family Group. In this position, she oversaw development and execution of all promotions marketing efforts for the media brands Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., Noggin, The N, NickToons Network, and Nick at Nite, as well as Nickelodeon magazines and Nick Digital businesses. Her responsibilities included both on-air and off-channel promotions, client services, ad sales marketing, online promotions and special events.
Prior to that, Freeman served as VP of consumer marketing for VH1, where she oversaw all consumer and off-channel marketing for the company as well as digital marketing for the network, and the digital networks VH1 Classic and VH1 Soul. Her promotional partners included premier companies such as Starbucks, SWATCH, American Airlines, the NBA and the NFL. Freeman also previously worked as vice president, affiliate marketing, Entertainment Group for MTV Networks, implementing marketing strategy around affiliate efforts in brand promotion, distribution support, and local ad sales promotional support for Spike TV, Nickelodeon, Noggin, Nick GAS, NickToons, Nick at Nite and TVLand.
Freeman earned a bachelor's of science degree in chemical engineering and an MBA degree in marketing and finance, both from the University of Maryland. She is a board member of Women in Cable and Television (WICT) and serves on the Advisory Board for the University of Maryland College of Engineering.
Rick DeMott
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