Crunchyroll Bolsters Team, Launches New Department

SAN FRANCISCO: Crunchyroll has elevated Vince Shortino to executive VP of Japan Channels and hired Arlen Marmel as head of the company's new marketing and distribution division, among other appointments.

Over the past six years, Shortino has contributed to the development of the company's anime business. In his newly expanded position, he is now charged with expanding Crunchyroll's mandate as the world's premier service for Japanese content on demand. Earlier in his career, he worked for such companies as Skype, 3Com and Panasonic.

Marmel previously served as the director of customer acquisition and retention for Hulu, where he oversaw strategy for organic and paid user acquisition, engagement and retention.

Kun Gao, the founder and CEO of Crunchyroll, commented: "Vince has been crucial to our success at Crunchyroll as we've built the business. His skills will be key as we expand our Japan focus. Arlen has unique experience in building subscriber-led digital media businesses and is the perfect fit for our organization as we expand our marketing efforts. In addition to filling these two key roles, we are also building out their respective organizations with strategic hires and promotions."

Shortino has promoted two members of his team: Rita Wang was upped to VP of Japan Channels, while Michelle Hwang has been named senior director of eCommerce. For the new marketing and distribution department, Eric Berman was hired as VP of business development, while Keith Kawamura has been elevated to senior director of partnership strategy.