Turner Launches Digital Ventures & Innovation Division

ATLANTA: Turner has established a new division to lead its digital innovation internationally, with Aksel van der Wal, currently senior VP and CFO, promoted to the role of executive VP of digital ventures and innovation, effective January 1, 2017.

The new division will focus on driving profitable growth through international consumer-centric initiatives, including all of Turner’s international multiplatform suite of digital properties and its direct-to-consumer product strategy.

“As our industry undergoes huge evolution, the impact of digital disruption and changing consumer behavior continues to put audience insight right at the heart of our business strategy,” said Gerhard Zeiler, the president of Turner International, to whom van der Wal will report. “This new division will ensure that we assess new opportunities for innovation, development and acquisition through the lens of relevant, robust consumer data and through a realigned, agile organizational structure. Aksel’s experience in transformative management, his first-class understanding of both the linear and digital media landscapes, and his detailed knowledge of Turner’s international operation, all combine to make him a superb fit for this new role.”

Trey Turner, currently the senior VP of corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, will take up the CFO role for Turner International on January 1.

Based in Atlanta, Turner will report to Pascal Desroches, the executive VP and chief financial officer of Turner, while working closely with Zeiler. He will be responsible for all of International’s financial operations and will be an active partner and contributor in shaping the direction of the company’s international business and implementing its strategy.

“Trey has the perfect experience to lead the business, capital and budgeting activities for our international businesses,” said Desroches. “He has acquired a depth of knowledge about our company and brings great passion and significant experience to the role. We expect Trey to play a key role in helping us expand our global operations.”