Turner APAC names location-based entertainment director

Eric Lee, the former global location-based entertainment (LBE) director for Rovio Entertainment in Europe, has joined Turner Asia Pacific as new LBE director for the region.This is a new position for Cartoon Network Enterprises (CNE), Turner’s licensing and merchandising arm. The company says the appointment is a part of wider strategy by Turner to become an even more consumer-centric and IP-focused company, and demonstrates its commitment to developing more LBE initiatives around the region.The new role is effective immediately, and Lee is tasked with identifying opportunities to develop consumer-facing experiences such as waterparks, theme parks, branded retail and entertainment spaces. These environments utilise Cartoon Network’s global kids’ IP such as The Powerpuff Girls, Ben 10, We Bare Bears and Adventure Time, as well as Turner’s other youth-focused brands including Tuzki.It says the appointment comes at a period of growth for both the industry and Turner’s extensive portfolio of IP, including the waterpark in Thailand, Tuzki-themed restaurant in Shanghai, and a planned series of Cartoon Network retail stores in Seoul, Korea.Clément Schwebig, Turner Asia Pacific’s senior vice president of business development, said: “LBE and the themed attraction business has huge potential for growth in Asia Pacific, and Cartoon Network’s world-famous franchises are well-loved by kids and families across the region.”