HIT triple hire includes Davidsen return

HIT Entertainment has hired a trio of senior executives, one being a former staffer who will be a director at the firm’s preschool production hub.

Karen Davidsen worked for HIT between 1998 and 2007, and now returns as director of production, global content. In the role, she will oversee all organisational aspects of production scheduling, budgeting and personnel. She will also identify new studio and production talent.

Davidsen was also previously director of production and original programming at the Walt Disney Company in EMEA, and has worked for Channel 4 and Hibbert Ralph Entertainment.

Her hire, and those of Phil Molloy and Luca Magnani, are part of a shift in HIT’s business from production for traditional TV to include digital outlets, the firm said.

Molloy joins from Spectrum Films, where he was creative director, and will become senior creative manager, global content. He has also worked in Turner Broadcasting System’s on-air creative production team.

Davidsen and Molloy will both report into HIT’s VP, global content and executive producer Michael Carrington.

Magnani joins on June 30 and will be global brand director for Thomas & Friends. He will report to VP, global brands Kate Schlomann. He joins from Turner, where he was senior director, brand marketing and franchise management EMEA.

“With Luca’s background and experience in franchise management, Karen’s extensive production experience  and Phil’s creative and digital skills, I believe we have three very strong additions to our talent as we further build our business,” said Edward Catchpole, senior VP, HIT Brands.

“This comes at a crucial time when HIT is focused upon developing exceptional content across multiple platforms, driving its future brand and content strategy globally with innovative new solutions”.

All three will be based in London.