Sony Music Entertainment Japan has named Tim Erickson CEO of Peanuts Worldwide and Ken Ohtake as Chairman.
Erickson, who had been in an EVP role with 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 leading initiatives to drive sustainable growth, expand the global reach of the Peanuts brand, and preserve its creative legacy.
Ohtake is currently Executive Officer of SMEJ and Chairman of Sony Creative Products. In the chairman role at 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 worldwide,” the company said.
Sony gained control of Peanuts Worldwide last December by paying $457 million to acquire a 41% stake held by WildBrain. The transaction gave Sony indirect ownership of 80% of Peanuts Holdings, with the Charles M. Schulz family retaining the remaining 20%. After the deal, Peanuts Worldwide became a subsidiary of the Sony Group, with Sony Music taking the lead in managing Peanuts Holdings in partnership with Sony Pictures Entertainment.
Erickson and Ohtake will work together with the Schulz family to “build sustainable strategies that align with the heritage of the Peanuts brand,” Sony said in a statement.
Apple, which has been home to the Peanuts classic library since 2020, last year extended streaming rights to Peanuts programs and specials on Apple TV+ through 2030. The company is currently in production with WildBrain and Peanuts on a new animated feature film starring Snoopy, Charlie Brown and other Peanuts characters. That project was first announced in 2023.