Carrington jumps ship to Hit

Hit Entertainment has hired Turner Broadcasting Systems EMEA chief creative officer Michael Carrington to fulfil a similar role within its own ranks.

Michael Carrington

Carrington, who left the BBC three years ago to join Turner, is now exiting the Cartoon Network parent against the backdrop of a cull of its EMEA operations and the appointment of a new president for the region just this week.

Hit, meanwhile, has been on the hunt for a new London-based content chief since September last year, following a number of its own management changes.

Carrington lands the newly created title of head of content and production for Hit Global Brands, a role in which he will report to overall senior VP Edward Catchpole. Marion Edwards, executive producer of Hit’s brands, will now report to Carrington.

“Michael has a great passion for and unprecedented track record in nurturing talent and developing engaging programming for children. Hit’s brand portfolio will benefit hugely from his experience,” said Catchpole.

Those brands include Thomas the Tank Engine, Angelina Ballerina, Fireman Sam, Pingu, Bob the Builder and Mike the Knight. The firm, which was bought out by toy giant Mattel a year ago for US$680m – triggering changes at the top – is said to be among those currently circling the assets of Chapman Entertainment.

“As a broadcaster, I have long admired the company for its creativity, innovation and sheer skill at knowing exactly what it is that younger kids want,” said Carrington of Hit.

“And now it’s got the resources, the ambition and the know-how to become bigger and better in a world where even preschool children are demanding great characters and stories across an increasing number of platforms.”

Carrington’s start date in his new job has yet to be confirmed.