Bob Higgins
SVP Programming & Development, Cartoon Network, USA

Bob Higgins is responsible for managing Cartoon Network's development, production and programming departments that oversee new original animated series, shorts, Cartoon Network Features and specials created at the network's Burbank studio and various external production partners. He also supervises acquisition for Cartoon Network US, of both international and domestic off-net kid's programming, including anime series and theatrical feature films.

Additionally, Higgins manages the on-air schedules for both Cartoon Network and Boomerang, and works closely with the company's marketing, ad sales and licensing team in expanding Cartoon Network's success off-air. Higgins is based in Atlanta and reports directly to Jim Samples, executive vice president and general manager, Cartoon Network.

Higgins comes to Cartoon Network from Classic Media, Inc., where he most recently served as senior vice president and executive producer for all television, feature film and direct-to-video product based on characters and properties from Harvey Comics, Jay Ward, UPA and Golden Books entertainment libraries. There he was responsible for all creative development, packaging, sales and original production of product based on the family-oriented properties, such as Caspar the Friendly Ghost, Lassie and Richie Rich, as well as for integrating the marketing and licensed merchandising campaigns for resulting product. A sampling of his recent projects include Underdog, a live-action/CGI for Spyglass Pictures, The Lone Ranger, a live-action feature for Red Wagon and Columbia Pictures; and Sherman & Peabody, a live-action/CGI feature being developed with director Rob Minkoff's Sprocketdyne Entertainment. "I'm really proud of the work I did with Classic Media and look forward to continue working with them in my capacity at Cartoon Network," explained Higgins.

Prior to that, Higgins was senior vice president of creative affairs for Sony Pictures Family Entertainment (SPFE), where he oversaw development and production of SPFE's slate of cel animation and CGI television, internet and family feature film projects. Properties under his supervision included Jackie Chan Adventures, Max Steel, Men in Black: The Series, Dragon Tales and Harold and the Purple Crayon. Higgins previously served as vice president of creative affairs at Columbia TriStar Television Children's Programming, managing more than 350 half-hours of syndicated and network animated and live-action programming. He also acted as director of development at Nelvana Communications where he supervised the development and sale of the company's various children's television series. Higgins earned a bachelor or arts degree in communications and political science from Boston College.

Cartoon Network, currently seen in 82.5 million US homes and 145 countries around the world, is Turner Broadcasting System Inc.'s 24-hour, ad-supported cable service offering the best in animated entertainment.

Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., an AOL Time Warner company, is a major producer of news and entertainment product around the world and the leading provider of programming for the basic cable industry.