King Features Syndicate has formed King Digital, a new unit dedicated to delivering a richer user experience for the company’s syndicated content and developing new products and services for the online marketplace. John Soppe has been named managing director of the enterprise, effective immediately. A New York City-based unit of Hearst Corp., King Features represents a portfolio of some of the world’s most beloved comics, editorial cartoons, informative columns, puzzles and games.
‘New communication technologies have changed the way we all access entertainment and information, and today consumers are in control,’ says T.R. ‘Rocky’ Shepard III, president of King Features Syndicate. ‘Regardless of the medium, content is still king and John will be working closely with our fine editorial, sales and marketing teams to ensure that we continue to reach consumers with the most engaging content where and how they want to be reached.’
Prior to joining King Features, Soppe was head of the supply chain services department at major Austrailian magazine publisher ACP Magazines, where he was responsible for building business-to-business and consumer Web sites, and developing progressive ways of managing supply chains in the publishing world.
From 1999 to 2001, he worked for Internet startup bolero.net, implementing and marketing an online trade documentation system to major international trading corporations, banks, and government agencies of various countries.
King Features distributes approximately 150 features to nearly 5,000 newspapers around the globe. Among the comics handled by the company are The Amazing Spider-Man, Beetle Baily, Popeye, Blondie, Dennis the Menace, Family Circle and Prince Valliant. More information on the company’s portfolio can be found at www.kingfeatures.com.
