Speaker Michael Ouweleen

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Michael Ouweleen

President, Adult Swim, Cartoon Network, Discovery Family, Boomerang and Turner Classic Movies

Cartoon Network

Michael Ouweleen is executive vice president and chief marketing officer for Turner’s Cartoon Network, Adult Swim and Boomerang. One of the brand’s key creative drivers for the last 18 years, Ouweleen provides the overall creative direction and strategic leadership to all areas of marketing, on-air, trade and sponsorship partnerships that support the three networks and all of its ancillary businesses, including digital, gaming, ad sales and consumer products. He is based in Atlanta and reports to Christina Miller, president and general manager who oversees the portfolio of media properties.

Previously, Ouweleen served as senior vice president and executive director for Cartoon Network’s Creative Group, where he oversaw and directed the development of creative materials for Cartoon Network’s off-channel needs, including print advertising, show launch kits, sales materials, PR materials, premiums and event environments. He also supervised all on-air promotions, program franchise packaging and sponsored promotions for both Cartoon Network and Boomerang. Additionally, he managed the development of on-air spots for the networks’ multiple licensed promotion partners.

Ouweleen began his career with Cartoon Network in 1996 as associate creative director of the on-air department. Within six months, he was promoted to vice president and creative director. In this capacity, he served as the primary writer/producer of on-air short-form material aimed at establishing Cartoon Network’s distinctive brand identity, winning multiple industry awards for his team’s creative accomplishments. Ouweleen was also a key member of the small team that championed and launched Adult Swim. While serving as Creative Director for the new block of programming, he also co-created, co-executive produced and co-wrote one of the first Adult Swim original series, Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law.

His accomplishments brought both networks significant industry and pop culture buzz, and got Ouweleen named to Entertainment Weekly’s creative “It List” for the year 2000.

In 2003, as SVP of development and programming, Ouweleen oversaw the creation of such animated hits as Ben 10, Chowder and The Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack, as well as the network’s first live-action adaptation of a network property, Ben 10: Race Against Time.

Prior to joining Cartoon Network, Ouweleen worked in advertising in New York and on several animated projects. He graduated magna cum laude from Georgetown University with a major in both English and Theology.

 

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