SEGA has unveiled its latest strategic move by appointing Justin Scarpone, former Executive of The Walt Disney Company and Scopely Inc., as Executive Vice President, Head of Global Transmedia Group, effective April 1, 2024. This significant step signals SEGA’s commitment to elevating its transmedia approach, particularly focusing on iconic IPs like Sonic the Hedgehog, Persona, Like a Dragon, Angry Birds, and more, in the years to come.
With over three decades of experience, Justin Scarpone brings a wealth of expertise garnered from esteemed entertainment giants such as The Walt Disney Company and Scopely Inc. Stationed in Tokyo, Justin has honed his skills in devising and executing large-scale entertainment strategies across the Asia Pacific and Western regions, resulting in substantial financial gains. His portfolio boasts the successful launch of gaming sensations like LINE: Disney Tsum Tsum, KINGDOM HEARTS, and MARVEL Future Fight, thereby contributing significantly to the expansion of gaming businesses in Asia.
While at Walt Disney Japan, Justin played a pivotal role in steering the company’s consumer products division, overseeing the licensing and distribution of merchandise encompassing Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars franchises nationwide.
SEGA, renowned for its extensive catalog of characters and IPs spanning over six decades, witnessed unprecedented success with the release of the Sonic the Hedgehog movie in collaboration with Paramount Pictures in 2020. The film’s remarkable performance not only paved the way for sequels and continued game successes but also spurred remarkable growth across various sectors, including merchandising, animation, and live entertainment. SEGA now aims to replicate this triumph across its diverse range of IPs, positioning transmedia strategy as a cornerstone for future growth in the upcoming decade.
New Appointment
| New Title | Name | Former Title |
|---|---|---|
| Executive Vice President, Head of Global Transmedia Group | Justin Scarpone | (Newly Elected) |
About Justin Scarpone:
Justin Scarpone boasts a distinguished career in the entertainment industry, marked by a proven track record of creative and financial achievements. From spearheading production, marketing, and sales in the games and mobile content sectors at The Walt Disney Company & Scopely, Inc., to steering Disney’s Consumer Products business in Japan, Justin has held various roles in business strategy and development. Notably, during his tenure at Disney, he played a pivotal role in expanding Disney’s gaming footprint in the Asia Pacific, overseeing globally recognized titles such as LINE: Disney Tsum Tsum, KINGDOM HEARTS, and MARVEL Future Fight. In his most recent role at Scopely Inc. as Senior Vice President and General Manager of Asia, Justin represented the Tokyo office and managed its other Asia-based offices in China, Korea, and Singapore.
Source: SEGA
