Amit Desai has been promoted to Executive Vice President, Business & Marketing Strategy, Direct to Consumer and Global Franchise Management for DC Entertainment, the creative division charged with leading efforts to fully realize the power and value of a rich portfolio of stories and characters, including such cultural icons as Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman, across Warner Bros. Entertainment and Time Warner. The announcement was made today by Diane Nelson, President of DC Entertainment and Warner Bros. Consumer Products.

Desai will continue to report to Nelson and will be responsible for DC’s business operations.  This includes overseeing business planning, finance, business affairs and administration as well as developing marketing strategies to drive awareness and interest in DC’s publishing content.  He will be also responsible for expanding DC’s direct to consumer platforms to build and sustain direct relationships with fans as well as leading studio-wide franchise management efforts to optimize the long term value of DC’s brands and franchises globally.  In addition, Desai will oversee DC’s award-winning, high-end collectibles business.

“Amit’s well-deserved promotion reflects his incredible track record in driving key strategic business initiatives as well as successfully managing large consumer brands & franchises,” said Nelson.  “He is a talented, highly respected and seasoned executive and I am proud to support his expanded role at DC Entertainment.”

“I’m excited and honored by the opportunity,” said Desai.  “I look forward to continuing to work with the talented teams at DC Entertainment and across the Studio to develop and implement winning business strategies that bring our amazing portfolio of stories and characters to fans around the world.”

Prior to this promotion, Desai served as Senior Vice President, Marketing & Global Franchise Management for DC Entertainment.  During his tenure, he spearheaded DC’s new brand identity, established DC’s direct to consumer platforms, launched in collaboration with key partners DC’s new girls-targeted franchise -- DC Super Heroes Girls, directed marketing campaigns for DC’s publishing initiatives including DC Universe: Rebirth, spearheaded studio-wide anniversary celebrations for iconic characters such as Superman and Batman and lead We Can Be Heroes, an unprecedented giving campaign leveraging the Justice League to fight the hunger crisis in the Horn of Africa.

Desai joined Warner Bros. in 2004 and held various leadership positions within the home entertainment group including Vice President, Family & Animation where he drove significant business growth and achieved a historic #1 studio ranking.  Desai came to Warner Bros. from The Walt Disney Company where he was responsible for brand management and marketing/synergy for feature films.  Prior to Disney, he held positions at Nestle and American Express.  Desai earned a B.A. from UC Berkeley and a M.B.A. from Columbia Business School.