Sony Promotes Tim Erickson to Global CEO of Peanuts, Names Ken Otake Chairman

Sony Music Entertainment Japan has named Tim Erickson CEO of Peanuts Worldwide and Ken Otake chairman of the board. Erickson, who previously served as EVP at Peanuts, will now lead the company’s global business operations, strategic direction and financial performance. He will oversee all commercial, operational and organizational functions while driving initiatives to […]

Sony Music Entertainment Japan has appointed Tim Erickson as CEO of Peanuts Worldwide and Ken Otake as Chairman of the Board.

Erickson, who was EVP with Peanuts, will now lead the company's global business operations, strategic direction and financial performance. He will oversee all business, operational and organizational functions, while leading initiatives to drive sustainable growth, expand the global reach of the Peanuts brand and preserve its creative legacy.

Ohtake is currently CEO of SMEJ and president of Sony Creative Products. In his role as president of Peanuts Worldwide, he will "help shape the company's long-term vision, strengthen alignment with Sony's broader entertainment strategy, and support the continued expansion of Peanuts' business opportunities around the world," the company said. RELATED STORIES TV COURT DIRECTORS PARENTAL LAW AND CRIME RACHEL STOCKMAN TO CEO. Founder Dan Abrams remains as chairman. News from "Beyond The Spider-Verse" director Bob Persichetti about the expectations of "Limitless" and "Never Say No" fans

Sony acquired control of Peanuts Worldwide last December, paying $457 million for a 41 percent stake in WildBrain. The deal gave Sony indirect ownership of 80 percent of Peanut Holdings, and the Charles M. Schulz kept the remaining 20%. After the deal, Peanuts Worldwide became a subsidiary of the Sony Group, and Sony Music took over the leadership of Peanuts Holdings in partnership with Sony Pictures Entertainment. Watch on Deadline

Sony said in a statement that Erickson and Otake will work with the Schulz family to "build sustainability strategies that align with the legacy of the Peanuts brand."

Home to the classic Peanuts library since 2020, Apple last year extended the rights to broadcast Peanuts shows and specials on Apple TV+ through 2030. The company is currently working with WildBrain and Peanuts on a new animated film starring Snoopy, Charlie Brown and other Peanuts characters. This project was first announced in 2023.

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