SEGA appoints former Disney and Scopely executive Justin Scarpone to lead global transmedia strategy

SEGA has announced the appointment of Justin Scarpone, former executive of The Walt Disney Company and Scopely, as executive vice president and head of Global Transmedia Group, effective April 1. The establishment of a Global Transmedia Group will allow SEGA to advance its transmedia strategy across its portfolio of intellectual property, such as Persona, Like a Dragon, Angry Birds, and more in the coming years.

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Justin Scarpone has over 30 years of experience, with leadership roles at globally renowned entertainment companies such as The Walt Disney Company and Scopely Inc. Based in Tokyo, Justin has specialized in developing and leading large-scale entertainment business strategies across Asia Pacific and the West that have produced significant financial outcomes. Justin has also been instrumental in the expansion of gaming businesses in the Asia region, launching hit titles such as LINE: Disney Tsum Tsum, Kingdom Hearts, and Marvel Future Fight. While at Walt Disney Japan, he was also in charge of the company’s consumer products division, overseeing the licensing and product distribution of all Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars merchandise nationwide.

SEGA has created numerous characters and intellectual properties in its more than 60-year history. In 2020, Paramount Pictures co-produced the Sonic the Hedgehog movie. The film became a global blockbuster, resulting not only in sequels and the continued success of games in the franchise, but also served as a catalyst for significant growth in merchandising, animation, live entertainment, and other content and service categories. SEGA aims to replicate this kind of success across its other intellectual property. This kind of transmedia strategy will operate as a key growth pillar over the next decade.