Bright Little Labs hires former WildBrain, Banijay, NBCU exec Nick Young as COO

Warner Bros Discovery-backed kids’ media company Bright Little Labs in the UK has hired former WildBrain, Banijay and NBCUniversal exec Nick Young as chief operating officer.

Nick Young

Founded in 2015 by CEO Sophie Deen, Bright Little Labs produces content and products with a focus on inclusive role models and learning-inspired adventures, aiming to teach children modern digital skills like computer science, coding and critical thinking.

The company is currently in development on animated series Agent Asha, about an 11-year-old spy from Wembley, London. The IP already comprises a trilogy of Agent Asha books, digital games and a live experience at KidZania in London.

As COO, Young will scale the organisation, overseeing commercial growth in the direct-to-consumer and content production and licensing divisions, recruitment and business operations. He will work closely with Deen to develop a pipeline of new IP and content opportunities.

The company has a soon-to-be announced development deal and pilot in the works, and Young’s focus will be on concluding these deals and building a comprehensive brand plan for the IP.

Prior to joining Bright Little Labs, Young was head of IP and partnerships at WildBrain, leading coproduction projects Tata & Kuma with Korean studio 5Bricks, Akedo: Ultimate Arcade Warriors with Moose Toys and Emojitown.

He was also previously brand and commercial director at Banijay for two years, before which he spent seven years at NBCUniversal, most recently as director of brand management and commercial, international studios.

While at NBCU, he managed the commercial and brand activities for Downton Abbey, including a consumer products portfolio, digital extensions and live events.

The news follows the appointment last month of broadcaster and chairman of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, Marcus Ryder, to the creative board.

Also on Bright Little Labs’ board are ITV director of distribution for new platforms Sarah Tierney in a commercial role, and WarnerBros Discovery’s senior VP of kids and family in the EMEA region, Vanessa Brookman, as an investor.