Activision Blizzard Unveils Consumer-Products Arm

SANTA MONICA: Interactive entertainment company Activision Blizzard (Skylanders) has launched a new consumer-products division that will be led by Mattel and Disney veteran Tim Kilpin as CEO and president.

Kilpin will oversee the development of consumer products to expand and deepen audience engagement with Activision Blizzard’s hit franchises through long-term retail partnerships, high-quality merchandise and all-new consumer experiences. Activision Publishing, Blizzard Entertainment and King Digital’s consumer-product teams will join Kilpin in the new division.

Previously, Kilpin served as Mattel’s president and chief commercial officer. Before that, he was executive VP of the company’s boys and girls division. Earlier in his career, he was the executive VP of franchise management for The Walt Disney Company.

“Inspiring play, competition and community underpins everything we do, and giving audiences new ways to experience our franchises is core to this commitment,” said Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick. “Under Tim’s leadership, we will elevate our consumer-product offerings to the same level of exceptional quality as our games and transform the ways audiences connect with the characters they love in their everyday lives.”

“Activision Blizzard is a global entertainment powerhouse, and its combination of iconic franchises and massive audience reach offers incredible opportunities for retailers and partners,” added Kilpin. “I’m excited to lead this newly-formed division and join Activision Blizzard’s already incredibly talented consumer-products team in delivering powerful new partnerships and even more touchpoints to audiences.”