Kinane and Leahy quit Action Time

UK format distributor Action Time has seen a major restructure following the decision by its two joint managing directors to quit as of the end of next month.

Trish Kinane and Stephen Leahy have departed the Carlton-owned producer-distributor to set up a format creation outfit called The Splash Partnership, leaving Phil Trelease to take up the joint role of md of Action Time and commercial director of Carlton Entertainment, as of October 1.

Furthermore, Caroline Beaton has been promoted to the new position of director of international business at Action Time.

Trelease's role will be to maximise the commercial potential for both Action Time and Carlton Productions, bringing Action Time and its parent company closer together. {The synergy between has always been apparent,{ said Beaton.

{My dual role will enable me to consolidate on our already strong reputation, while moving into new areas,{ said Trelease.

The moves will entail an aggressive expansion of Action Time's international operations, said a spokeswoman, including acquisitions of new formats for the UK and international markets.

Consequently, the outfit's UK operation will see 18 job losses, and its Manchester office will close.