In his expanded role, Desai will add DC Collectibles, which had formerly been run by DC Chief Creative Officer Geoff Johns, to his portfolio. Johns recently added executive duties at DC films (see "Executive Shake-Up on DC Films"), and moving management of the established collectibles business was seen as a way to give him more time to focus on his expanded role in films.
Desai has also taken on management of business planning, finance, business affairs and administration, which had previously been run by Nairi Gardiner. Gardiner had been Senior Vice President of Finance, Business Affairs for both DC and Warner Bros. Consumer Products, reporting to Diane Nelson, who as of last fall runs WBCP in addition to DC Entertainment and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment (see "Diane Nelson’s Hat Trick"). But with Pam Lifford now running Warner Bros. Consumer Products under Nelson and high expectations for growth of the division, Gardiner was moved over to work solely on Warner Bros. Consumer Products and management of her DC portfolio was handed to Desai.
Desai’s responsibilities continue to include DC’s consumer marketing, with Vice President of Consumer Marketing Eddie Scannell reporting to him. In that role, Desai launched DC’s new brand identity, established DC’s direct-to-consumer platforms, launched DC Super Hero Girls, ran the consumer marketing for Rebirth, spearheaded the studio-wide anniversary celebrations for Superman and Batman, and led the company’s charitable initiative We Can Be Heroes. Trade sales and marketing, run by SVP John Cunningham, continues to report through the DC Co-Publishers Dan DiDio and Jim Lee. Two marketing executives left the company recently in a reorganization of that function (see "DC Restructures Sales and Marketing").
Desai’s background prior to DC was in Warner Bros.’ home entertainment group, including a stint as Vice President, Family and Animation.