Sony Music names Tim Erickson CEO of Peanuts Worldwide
Sony Music Entertainment Japan appoints Tim Erickson as CEO and Ken Ohtake as Chairman of Peanuts Worldwide, the company behind Snoopy and Charlie Brown.
Sony Music Entertainment Japan named Tim Erickson CEO of Peanuts Worldwide and Ken Ohtake as Chairman, the company said on October 13, 2026, according to Deadline. Erickson moves into the top job after serving as an executive vice president at Peanuts.
In his new role, Erickson will lead Peanuts Worldwide's global business operations, strategic direction and financial performance. Ohtake, currently an executive officer of Sony Music Entertainment Japan and chairman of Sony Creative Products, will help shape the company's long-term vision and strengthen its alignment with Sony's broader entertainment strategy as Chairman.
The appointments follow Sony's move in December 2025 to pay $457 million for the 41% stake in Peanuts Worldwide held by WildBrain, giving Sony indirect ownership of 80% of Peanuts Holdings, with the Charles M. Schulz family retaining 20%. Peanuts Worldwide then became a subsidiary of the Sony Group, with Sony Music leading management of Peanuts Holdings in partnership with Sony Pictures Entertainment.
On the content side, Apple has been home to the Peanuts classic library since 2020 and last year extended streaming rights to Peanuts programs and specials on Apple TV+ through 2030. A new animated feature film starring Snoopy, Charlie Brown and other Peanuts characters, in production with WildBrain and Peanuts, was first announced in 2023.
Quick answers
Who is the new CEO of Peanuts Worldwide?
Tim Erickson was named CEO of Peanuts Worldwide by Sony Music Entertainment Japan. He had previously been an executive vice president at Peanuts.
Who is the new Chairman of Peanuts Worldwide?
Ken Ohtake, currently an executive officer of Sony Music Entertainment Japan and chairman of Sony Creative Products, was named Chairman of Peanuts Worldwide.
Who owns Peanuts Worldwide?
Sony holds indirect ownership of 80% of Peanuts Holdings after paying $457 million for WildBrain's 41% stake in December 2025, while the Charles M. Schulz family retains 20%.