Mattel restructures Hit distribution unit

Toyco Mattel has unveiled a new distribution structure and strategy for its children’s content arm, Hit Entertainment.

Hit Entertainment’s senior VP and general manager Edward Catchpole will now lead Mattel Global Content Distribution team also comprising Hit’s VP Sid Mathur, who oversees global content distribution; Alison Holmwood, VP, content distribution UK and EMEA; and Claudia Scott-Hansen, group director, broadcast distribution sales for the Americas.

A number of other execs will oversee home entertainment, and marketing and digital media. Bruce Inoyue will be business head for content distribution in Asia, a region Henry Or oversaw before recently moving to launch a new office for FremantleMedia.

“As the entertainment landscape continues to evolve from traditional media to one including digital and emerging platforms, this new structure will keep teams aligned with brand strategy. This will give Mattel’s distribution partners the best that our portfolio has to offer, while delivering to consumers a seamless and immersive brand experience across all touch points,” said Catchpole.

Hit sells show such as Thomas & Friends and Bob the Builder, which is getting a makeover in a new season launching next year.

Here at MIPCOM, it has also announced Little People, a CG-animated series being produced with DHX Media.

The show is based on the Fisher Price toy brand of the same name. Hit is part of Fisher Price, which in turn is owned by Mattel.