Disney Alum to Head NBCU’s Franchise Mgmt. & CP Division

NEW YORK: NBCUniversal has recruited former Disney executive Russell Hampton for the newly created position of executive VP of franchise management and global consumer products for the media innovation and cross company initiatives group.

In his new role, Hampton will be responsible for developing a strategy for the company’s licensing and merchandising campaigns spanning film, theme parks, a pair of broadcast networks, 18 cable channels and more than 50 digital properties. He is also expected to pinpoint new potential growth opportunities and lead digital product and IP development. He will report to Lauren Zalaznick, the executive VP of NBCUniversal.

Previously, Hampton served as the president of Disney Publishing Worldwide, where he managed the company’s global P&L, operations and strategic direction. Before that he was the executive VP and general manager of The Baby Einstein Company. He was first hired by Disney in 1995, when he began working for the strategic planning and corporate development department.

"From television and movies to digital content and theme parks, NBCUniversal delivers compelling characters, stories and experiences," said Zalaznick. "Russell will unite our richest franchises across the portfolio and capitalize on them in the global licensing and merchandising arena."