Sega appoints ex-Disney exec as head of transmedia

Sega announced it has appointed Justin Scarpone, former executive at Disney and Scopely, as head of its transmedia efforts.

He will be executive vice president and head of global transmedia group, effective April 1, 2024. The establishment of a Global Transmedia Group will allow the company to advance its transmedia strategy across its wide portfolio of intellectual property, such as Persona, Like a Dragon, Angry Birds, and more, in the coming years, the company said.

Scarpone has over 30 years of experience, with leadership roles at global entertainment companies such as The Walt Disney Company and Scopely.

Based in Tokyo, Scarpone has specialized in developing and leading large-scale entertainment business strategies across Asia Pacific and the West that have produced significant financial outcomes. He 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 IP. This kind of transmedia strategy will operate as a key growth pillar over the next decade.