Michael Ouweleen is named chief marketing officer for Turner Broadcasting System’s Cartoon Network, Adult Swim and Boomerang.
Michael Ouweleen has been named chief marketing officer for Turner Broadcasting System’s Cartoon Network, Adult Swim and Boomerang, it was announced today by Christina Miller, president and general manager who oversees the portfolio of media properties. He will be based in Atlanta and report to Miller.
Ouweleen, who was most recently senior vice president and executive creative director for Cartoon Network’s Creative Group and has been one of the brand’s key creative drivers for the last 17 years, will now provide the overall creative direction and strategic leadership to all areas of marketing, on-air, trade and sponsorship partnerships that support the three networks and all of its ancillary businesses, including digital, gaming, ad sales and consumer products.
“Michael has that strong combination of creative vision and strategic thinking,” said Miller. “He has a deep knowledge of our brands, and with him now leading the efforts for both the marketing and creative teams there is an opportunity for us to have a more holistic and creative approach to our marketing.”
As senior vice president and executive director for Cartoon Network’s Creative Group, Ouweleen oversaw and directed the development of creative materials for Cartoon Network’s off-channel needs, including print advertising, show launch kits, sales materials, PR materials, premiums and event environments. He also supervised all on-air promotions, program franchise packaging and sponsored promotions for both Cartoon Network and Boomerang. Additionally, he managed the development of on-air spots for the networks’ multiple licensed promotion partners.
Ouweleen began his career with Cartoon Network in 1996 as associate creative director of the on-air department. Within six months, he was promoted to vice president and creative director. In this capacity, he served as the primary writer/producer of on-air short-form material aimed at establishing Cartoon Network’s distinctive brand identity, winning multiple industry awards for his team’s creative accomplishments. Ouweleen was also a key member of the small team that championed and launched Adult Swim. While serving as Creative Director for the new block of programming, he also co-created, co-executive produced and co-wrote one of the first Adult Swim original series, Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law.
His accomplishments brought both networks significant industry and pop culture buzz, and got Ouweleen named to Entertainment Weekly’s creative “It List” for the year 2000.
In 2003, as SVP of development and programming, Ouweleen oversaw the creation of such animated hits as Ben 10, Chowder and The Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack, as well as the network’s first live-action adaptation of a network property, Ben 10: Race Against Time.
Prior to joining Cartoon Network, Ouweleen worked in advertising in New York and on several animated projects. He graduated magna cum laude from Georgetown University with a major in both English and Theology.
Cartoon Network (CartoonNetwork.com) is regularly the #1 U.S. television network in prime among boys
Source: Turner Broadcasting System
Formerly Editor-in-Chief of Animation World Network, Jennifer Wolfe has worked in the Media & Entertainment industry as a writer and PR professional since 2003.
