Sanrio Digital (www.sanriodigital.com) announced today the appointment of Robert Ferrari as vice president of Publishing and Business Development. Ferrari will be based in Boston, MA and will assemble a US team and network of partnerships to drive Sanrio Digital’s Hello Kitty Online (www.hellokittyonline.com) and other initiatives in virtual worlds, gaming, and social networks on PC, console, and handheld platforms.

Ferrari brings a wealth of global business experience to Sanrio Digital. Ferrari, a highly respected veteran and executive in the online games industry, was previously vice president of Business Development at Turbine Inc., a leading publisher and developer of massively multiplayer online games.

Having joined Turbine in 2004, Ferrari was instrumental to the company’s strong growth and global expansion. He was responsible for strategic partnerships, the company’s transition to self-publishing, licensing, digital distribution, and traditional retail channel initiatives. His efforts contributed to the success of Turbine’s award-winning online games, including The Lord of the Rings Online, Dungeons & Dragons Online: Stormreach, and Asheron’s Call. Prior to his tenure at Turbine, Ferrari held senior executive roles at interactive media and consumer product companies, including the positions of vice president of Sales and Business Development at Philips Electronics (NYSE: PHG), vice president of Business Development at Websurfer Inc, and executive vice president of Sales and Marketing at Merinta Inc.

Ferrari commented, “It is an honor to join Sanrio Digital and have the opportunity to shape the future of social gaming. "