Marvel Sets Up International Advisory Board

NEW YORK: Marvel Entertainment has formed an International Advisory Board, comprised of business leaders from international growth markets, to focus on expanding global business opportunities.

The Advisory Board is chaired by James F. Halpin, a Marvel director since March 1995. Simon Philips, the president of worldwide consumer products, will serve as the primary company liaison to the Advisory Board. Further members of the Advisory Board are Peter Yip, the executive vice chairman and CEO of the CDC Corporation, and Bollywood film producer Manmohan Shetty, former chairman of Adlabs Films. Marvel is in the process of filling two additional positions. The Advisory Board plans to convene in person twice a year for full meetings in addition to regular in-market meetings.

Philips commented, "The formation of Marvel’s International Advisory Board furthers our commitment to generate growth from international markets. We are honored to launch the Advisory Board with executives of the stature and achievement of Peter and Manmohan, who share our passion for Marvel and our character brands. The success of our feature films and other entertainment media in many international markets over the past several years has created increasing consumer awareness of, and appreciation for, our iconic brands. The formation of this Advisory Board will help us to leverage this growing recognition into an expanding base of business opportunities on a global basis."

He continued: "Peter and Manmohan are highly respected business leaders in their respective fields and possess a deep knowledge of consumer preferences in the regions in which they operate. We believe this new Advisory Board will strengthen our international business focus and enable us to further maximize the potential of the Marvel brand on a global level."