Carrington quits Hit

Former CBeebies controller Michael Carrington is leaving US preschool giant Hit Entertainment to replace Nigel Pickard at Zodiak-owned UK prodco The Foundation.

Michael Carrington

Carrington leaves Hit after just under a year-and-a-half at the Thomas & Friends and Bob the Builder producer, where he will be replaced by former Warner Bros executive Christopher Keenan.

His appointment as CEO of The Foundation comes after Pickard stepped down from the role earlier this year.

The hire is the first under recently appointed Zodiak Kids CEO Jean-Philippe Randisi, who has joined Zodiak Media from ITV Studios.

Carrington said: “It was a difficult decision to leave Hit, but what clinched it for me was the amazing opportunity to work across so many different formats, genres and age groups.

“My ambition now is to grow the business and cement The Foundation’s status around the world as a leading producer of first-rate content for kids.”

Prior to joining Hit last year, Carrington served as chief content officer for Cartoon Network Europe, where he exec produced series such as The Amazing World of Gumball.

While controller of UK preschool channel CBeebies between 2006 and 2010, Carrington commissioned acclaimed programmes including In the Night Garden, LazyTown and Charlie & Lola.

Carrington will now work alongside The Foundation’s MD Gwen Hughes on the production company’s current slate, which includes Fort Boyard Ultimate Challenge (ITV), Let’s Play (CBeebies), Millie Me (CBBC), Dani’s Castle 3 (CBBC), Zack & Quack (Nick Jr), Tickety Toc (Nick Jr) and The Floogals (Sprout!), and will spearhead the development effort.