Kim McQuilken, executive vice president of Cartoon Network ad sales, marketing and enterprises, is leaving to pursue other interests, officials said Monday. No immediate replacement was named, and McQuilken will stay on through the remainder of the upfront season.
In the interim, Cartoon’s executive team of John O’Hara, senior VP of ad sales; Phyllis Ehrlich, senior VP of promotions and marketing; John Friend, senior VP of Cartoon Network Enterprises; and Thalia Doherty, VP and national sales manager, will now report directly to David Levy, president of Turner Entertainment ad sales and marketing and Turner Sports.
“Kim played a pivotal role in driving the growth of Cartoon Network ad sales and helping to make it a powerful force in the animation marketplace,” Levy said in a prepared statement. “We wish him continued success as he moves on to new playing fields.”
McQuilken issued his own statement in a press release.
“After the 10 years working directly with Cartoon Network and more than 15 years in sales, licensing and marketing at Turner, I feel it’s now time to consider new opportunities,” he said “I am proud of what we have accomplished as a team since joining Cartoon Network, and I look forward to the next chapter in my professional career.”
McQuilken joined Turner Broadcasting System Inc. in 1992 as director of marketing for special projects for the 1994 Goodwill Games in St. Petersburg, Russia. Following the conclusion of the Goodwill Games, he served as VP, sports and brand licensing for Turner Home Entertainment.
He joined Cartoon in 1996 and was promoted to senior VP of licensed promotions and presence marketing two years later. In 1998, he assumed additional responsibilities for all Cartoon ad sales and licensing. In 1999, he was promoted to executive VP of Cartoon Network ad sales, licensing and marketing. Last year, he added oversight of all Cartoon Network Enterprises licensing, merchandising and home-video activity to his responsibilities.
McQuilken spent eight seasons as a quarterback in the National Football League with the Atlanta Falcons and the Washington Redskins, as well as the inaugural season with the Washington Federals of the United States Football League. Upon retiring from pro football, he went on to serve as VP of sales and marketing for several venture-capital firms before joining Turner in 1992.
