Cartoon Network has promoted veteran network executive Michael Ouweleen to Senior Vice President and Group Creative Director for its new Creative Group, it was announced today by Brenda Freeman, chief marketing officer for Turner Broadcasting’s Animation, Young Adults and Kids Media (AYAKM) group.
Press Release from Cartoon Network
Cartoon Network has promoted veteran network executive Michael Ouweleen to Senior Vice President and Group Creative Director for its new Creative Group, it was announced today by Brenda Freeman, chief marketing officer for Turner Broadcasting’s Animation, Young Adults and Kids Media (AYAKM) group. The network recently reorganized its on-air and off-channel creative departments into a combined division now called the Creative Group, which Ouweleen will oversee. In this new role, Ouweleen is responsible for leading all facets of Cartoon Network and Boomerang branding via on-air communication, promotion, packaging and sponsorships, as well as the creative development and expression of show and character properties in off-channel promotions. He also will supervise print, special events, package design, sponsorship and promotions for Adult Swim. Ouweleen, previously senior vice president/creative director, on-air for Cartoon Network, will continue to be based at network headquarters in Atlanta, and report directly to Freeman.
Among his new responsibilities, Ouweleen will oversee and direct 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 will continue to supervise all on-air promotions, program franchise packaging and sponsored promotions for both Cartoon Network and Boomerang. Additionally, he will manage development of on-air spots for the networks’ multiple licensed promotion partners.
“As we continue expanding Cartoon Network’s development as a distinctive youth culture brand for today’s audiences, it’s vital that our creative execution complements and reinforces our network messages across all screens and media touch-points,” said Freeman. “Michael is a great creative talent with the right vision to lead this important new group.”
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. His accomplishments brought the network significant industry and pop culture buzz, and got Ouweleen named to Entertainment Weekly’s creative “It List” for the year 2000.
Also in 2000, Ouweleen flexed his story and character development talents by co-creating, co-writing and co-executive producing his own series, Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law, an original animated production developed for Adult Swim, the late-night, young adult-targeted programming block that became a full-fledged network in 2004. 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. Since 2006, he has supervised the on-air environments and packaging for both Cartoon Network and Boomerang.
Prior to joining Cartoon Network, Ouweleen worked in advertising in New York and worked on several animated projects. He graduated cum laude from Georgetown University with a major in both English and Theology.
Cartoon Network (CartoonNetwork.com), currently seen in more than 99 million U.S. homes and 166 countries around the world, is Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.’s ad-supported cable service now available in HD offering the best in original, acquired and classic entertainment for youth and families. Nightly from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. (ET, PT), Cartoon Network shares its channel space with Adult Swim, a late-night destination showcasing original and acquired animated and live-action series for young adults 18-34.
Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, creates and programs branded news, entertainment, animation and young adult media environments on television and other platforms for consumers around the world.
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