Taylor upped in rejig as Wiseman exits Aardman

Alix Wiseman has left Aardman Animation after ten years with the British studio, a move that’s triggered an internal restructure, which sees Alison Taylor (pictured) upped to sales chief.

Wiseman has been with the Bristol-based company for ten years running distribution of children’s properties, but has exited for an unspecified new role.

Taylor has been promoted from senior sales manager to take over as head of sales and acquisitions at Aardman Rights and Brand Development.

Robin Gladman, currently senior distribution and acquisitions manager, will also take “a more active role in defining the studio’s strategy to exploit and develop its growing portfolio of brands”, according to a statement.

This comes soon after Aardman hired ex-Scholastic exec Ruth Preston as sales manager, to handle distribution in central and eastern Europe, the Benelux region, Latin America and South Africa.

Taylor has been with Aardman for more than twelve years, and will now lead distribution of in-house shows such as Shaun the Sheep and third-party titles such as Blue Zoo’s Digby Dragon and Acamar Films’ Bing.

Aardman said she would look for further expand the sales team as part of the restructure this autumn.

Sean Clarke, head of Aardman Rights and Brand Development said: “We are of course sad to see Alix leave Aardman after ten years as she has contributed significantly in the success we see today, however I am confident with Alison’s experience and tenacity, she will do an excellent job in leading the team forward to ensure we continue to build on this success for both Aardman and our clients.”

Taylor added: “I am delighted to have accepted the role of head of sales and acquisitions, it is a tremendously exciting time at the studio as we celebrate our 40th year in the business of creating awarding winning animation. I am honoured to be given the opportunity to lead the team and we look forward to meeting our clients at MIPCOM and taking them through our plans to further develop our existing brands alongside our new exciting development and third party productions slate.”