Jim Henson brings in Fremantle alum Shirley Bowers to lead distribution

US-based children’s production outfit The Jim Henson Company has hired former Fremantle distribution exec Shirley Bowers to grow its licensing and coproduction business.

Shirley Bowers

The company has named Bowers VP of global distribution, responsible for all content sales and distribution, as well as monetising the Henson catalogue and developing coproduction partnerships.

Based in Los Angeles, she will report to president and chief operating officer Chris Lytton.

Bowers previously spent around three and a half years as senior VP of distribution at Fremantle’s US operation, a role she left towards the end of last year.

Before that, she spent six years at Red Arrow Studios, where she was the VP of sales and acquisitions. Earlier in her career, she was director of global content sales for Fox International Channels and prior to that spent more than a decade at National Geographic Channel.

“Shirley’s experience within the dynamic landscape of content distribution makes her a nimble leader, able to develop innovative content distribution ideas, embrace unique opportunities presented by emerging technologies and identify potential partnerships,” said Lytton.

“She has a proven track record of working with respected properties that can respond to emerging trends while maintaining a deep connection to their brand value.”