Michal Butel appointed CEO of Israel’s Hop! Media Group as founders step down

Michal Butel has been appointed as CEO of Israel’s Hop! Media Group, replacing co-founders Alona Abt and Tamir Paul, who have led the company for the past two decades.

Michal Butel

Having joined the kids’ media company in 2013 as head of content, Butel has been deputy CEO for the past six years.

With nearly 30 years of experience in the TV industry, Butel has previously had stints as content manager at production, distribution and broadcast group Keshet and head of branded channels and local productions at Israeli broadcaster Yes, and is credited with the development of many acclaimed Israeli productions.

The news of Butel’s new position comes on the heels of Hop! Media Group’s launch of new linear channel PELE, targeting two- to five-year-olds, in April. The group also owns and operates Hop! Channel, Luli, Israeli Childhood and Wiz.

Bute said: “Kids’ content has been a passion of mine for many years. I’m thankful and appreciative of Alona and Tamir for entrusting me with their life’s work. I am confident that the group will continue to raise generations of kids in a safe nurturing environment as we’ll continue to create and curate quality content that caters to our unique audience.”

Abt added: “We are confident that Michal’s vast experience will allow her, together with the team at Hop!, to maintain the groups long-standing partnerships as well as expand into new creative ventures and reach new heights.”