Joshua Katz, an entertainment-industry vet, who has led the successful launch and marketing efforts behind Cartoon Network and VH1, has been named vp of marketing for Lucasfilm Ltd.
Katz will lead the global marketing initiatives for all upcoming television and feature film projects from Lucasfilm Ltd. and also guide the company's corporate-branding projects, and will report to Jim Ward, svp of Lucasfilm.
"Joshua has been a guiding force in developing successful, innovative marketing and branding campaigns for some of the most well-known entertainment properties in the world," said Mich Chau, Lucasfilm's president/coo. "As Lucasfilm broadens its creative efforts to include both animated and live-action television projects, we are looking to Joshua's impressive expertise and background in the television industry to help us position our company for great future success."
Ward, who is also president of the LucasArts videogame division of Lucasfilm, added, "Joshua has a great combination of business savvy and creative energy that will bring a fresh approach to Lucasfilm's upcoming initiatives."
Since 1998, Katz's St. Louis-based consulting practice The Halo Effect has helped reshape the brand identity of such well-known cable channels as BBC America and Court TV and prominent media entities, including PLAYBOY and SPIN MAGAZINE.
Katz also served as exec producer of THE VIBE AWARDS on UPN, which he developed and sold to the network, and developed and exec produced the first season of WEEKEND VIBE.
Prior to starting The Halo Effect, Katz was svp of marketing at VH1, where he successfully re-branded the network and developed marketing and promotions initiatives that led the network to unprecedented growth.
Katz was also a member of the launch team for Cartoon Network, and as head of marketing designed and led marketing efforts that established the network's well-known brand image.
Katz is a native of St. Louis and is a graduate of Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Lucasfilm Ltd. is one of the worlds leading film and entertainment companies. Founded by George Lucas in 1971, it is a privately held, fully integrated entertainment company. In addition to its motion picture and television productions, the companys global businesses include Industrial Light & Magic and Skywalker Sound; LucasArts; Lucas Licensing; Lucasfilm Animation and Lucas Online. Lucasfilms feature films have won 19 Oscars and its television projects have won 12 Emmy Awards.
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