Disney Names President to Oversee Worldwide Merchandise Licensing

* Stephen de Kanter has been named president of a global licensing group that will oversee Walt Disney Co.’s worldwide merchandise licensing operations.

De Kanter, 54, has led Disney’s Consumer Products Latin America unit since 1989. In his new position, he will be responsible for planning, strategy and licensee management for Disney’s licensing activities.

Prior to joining Disney, De Kanter was a marketing executive at Heublein International. He will be based in Burbank.

* Heller Financial Inc., a Glendale-based commercial finance company, said Louis Sulpizio has joined the company’s Heller Commercial Services division as senior vice president of division sales and portfolio manager. He will be responsible for developing client relationships and new business opportunities in the Western U.S.

* Encino-based ARTISTdirect, an Internet music entertainment company, has named former Bear, Stearns & Co. Senior Managing Director James B. Carroll its chief financial officer.

In addition to managing ARTISTdirect’s financial operations, Carroll will work with other senior executives in business development and strategic planning.

* Home Box Office, a unit of Time Warner Inc., has promotedJanice Aull to senior vice president of affiliate operations and general manager of HBO’s regional offices in Los Angeles and San Francisco. Previously vice president of affiliate operations, Aull will continue to oversee the distribution, sales and marketing of HBO and Cinemax brands for cable systems.