Carrington to ABC, Hughes steps up at Zodiak

Kids TV veteran Michael Carrington is exiting Zodiak Kids Studios to become head of children’s and education at Australian pubcaster the ABC.

The broadcaster said the role is a new one, although the position running the kids department has been vacant since Deidre Brennan left earlier this year, before resurfacing at Canada’s Corus.

Carrington, who grew up in Australia, will start his new role in a “few months”, the ABC said. His appointment follows a restructure of senior management at the broadcaster.

Speaking about Carrington’s recruitment, director of television Richard Finlayson said: “Michael brings to the ABC a wealth of knowledge and international experience in children’s television.

“We look forward to working with Michael in the important new role of head of children’s and education, as we continue to lead the way in sharing trustworthy, entertaining and educational content with our youngest audiences.”

Prior to running Zodiak Kids Studios, and before that Zodiak’s UK-based kids production banner The Foundation, Carrington was chief content officer at Cartoon Network EMEA. He has also been at CBeebies, where he was the first controller of preschool net Cbeebies, Hit Entertainment and Discovery Communications.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time at Zodiak Kids,” he said. “It’s a company full of great people with huge ambitions and an inspirational leader in Jean-Philippe Randisi. However, when the call came with the offer to return to the place of my birth, Australia, to take up this exciting and challenging new role for the ABC, I couldn’t say no.”

Zodiak Kids, meanwhile, has restructured with the news of Carrington’s exit. Zodiak Kids CEO Randisi will oversee Zodiak Kids Studios.

Gwen Hughes (right) is upped to COO, a new role at the kids division, and she will oversee all production and operations in the UK and France. Previously she was managing director Zodiak Kids Studios UK.

Randisi said: “It has been a real pleasure and a privilege to work with Michael. A great deal has been achieved since he joined, making Zodiak Kids a more efficient and forward looking kids specialist with international clout.

“Gwen Hughes will help us write the next chapter and take a global key position as COO of Zodiak Kids Studios. With Gwen on the operational side and Eryk Casemiro on the creative side, we have very capable hands and brains to ensure Zodiak Kids’ success.”

Zodiak Kids Studios current slate includes The Secret Life of Boys, Floogals, Mister Maker’s Arty Party and Magiki.