Polly Cochrane Named EVP as Warner Bros. Finalizes Structure of Harry Potter Global Franchise Management Team
Cochrane is promoted to Executive Vice President & Group Marketing Director, Warner Bros. UK & Ireland, and Chief Marketing Officer, HPGFD in recognition of her responsibilities in the HPGFD team and her exceptional contribution in running Warner Bros. UK’s integrated marketing function.
She is promoted from her current role as Senior Vice President & Group Marketing Director, Warner Bros. UK, and Chief Marketing Officer, HPGFD, and – with franchise management becoming ever more important to the Studio – will continue to evolve Warner Bros. UK’s marketing operation, while also leading on global brand strategy and guidelines for HPGFD, in partnership with J.K. Rowling’s representatives at The Blair Partnership and Warner Bros. business units.
Harrison is confirmed as Senior Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer, HPGFD, based in London, and will lead on the commercial and business initiatives relating to the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts franchises, working in conjunction with colleagues at The Blair Partnership.
Blake has been named Senior Vice President, HPGFD, and will head up the group’s office in Burbank, liaising closely with all Warner Bros. divisions and working hand in glove with Cochrane and Harrison on strategy, marketing and business development for the franchises.
These appointments complete the senior HPGFD team led by Josh Berger, to whom all three will report.
“Polly’s well-deserved promotion reflects her incredible track record, which has seen her turn our cross-divisional marketing into a best-in-class operation,” said Berger. “Will is hugely experienced in international business development, while Nicole has an incredibly impressive background in franchise management, and I am delighted to round out the senior leadership with such talented executives. They are the perfect team to drive forward what is a world-leading franchise with substantial global reach.”
Cochrane joined Warner Bros. in April 2009 as Vice President & Group Marketing Director, Warner Bros. UK. She was previously Director of Marketing at Channel 4, where – during her 11 year tenure – she was responsible for the broadcaster’s award-winning on and off-air marketing, including a new brand identity for Channel 4 and the successful launches of More4, Film4 free to air, Channel 4+1 and 4oD. Prior to that, Cochrane was Head of Advertising & Promotions for the launch of Channel 5.
Harrison was most recently Chief Operating Officer for HBO Europe, where he led the affiliate sales, marketing, network operations and content acquisition functions. He has previously worked for Disney as Vice President, Equity Ventures & Business Development, and A+E Networks as Vice President, International Business Development & Branded Distribution. He has also held board appointments at Super RTL, GMTV, HBO Central Europe, and FilmFlex.
Blake was most recently Head of Franchise at DreamWorks Animation where she oversaw the development of global franchise plans for DreamWorks Classics IP. She joined DreamWorks upon its acquisition of Classic Media, where she was EVP, Marketing, Consumer Products & Digital. Previously as SVP, Global Marketing at HIT Entertainment, she was part of the team that grew Thomas & Friends into a leading, global business and launched TV channel, PBS Kids Sprout. Blake has also held a variety of brand management positions at FMCG companies.
About Harry Potter Global Franchise Development:
The Harry Potter Global Franchise Development (HPGFD) team exists to optimise the continuing expansion of the Harry Potter franchise that now includes, among other projects: a new film series in “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them”; the award-winning Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter; The Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme parks at Universal Orlando Resort, Universal Studios Japan and, most recently, Universal Studios Hollywood; a suite of Harry Potter digital services and products including J.K. Rowling’s own initiative, Pottermore; and a Harry Potter stage play, “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,” which will open in London’s West End this summer.