YouTube kids’ originals boss departs in Google lay-offs

Craig Hunter

Craig Hunter, global head of original content for kids & family for YouTube, is exiting the Google-owned video-sharing platform as mass layoffs impact the tech giant.

Revealing his sudden departure on social media over the weekend, Hunter said that he is open for new job opportunities. His exit comes as Google’s parent firm Alphabet seeks to cut 12,000 jobs worldwide, following a hiring boom caused by the pandemic.

Hunter joined YouTube Originals in January 2021 as global head of preschool, before being promoted to his latest role in February 2022. During his time there, he worked on original titles including and the recently launched animated music anthology Behind The Beats and acquisitons such as hybrid musical travel show Jam Van.

He arrived following almost nine years at Sony Pictures Entertainment, departing in the role of director of kids networks, having first joined in 2012 as channel manager for kids in western Europe. Prior to that, Hunter held roles at BBC Worldwide, Nickelodeon and The Walt Disney Company.

Writing on social media, Hunter revealed : “Sad to share that I too am one of the 12,000 impacted by the Google layoffs. I’m heartbroken for my time there to end so abruptly.

“I’m proud beyond words to have led an incredible team and to have worked with so many brilliant people along the way. Not to mention all the impactful shows we made. It’s been a life changing experience for me. There is so much I’ll miss.

“Thank you to the many partners, prodcos, studios and creators from around the world that I’ve had the pleasure of collaborating and laughing with. I look forward to crossing paths again in the future.”

He added: “As I take time to figure out my next steps, please reach out if you know of openings to hire an experienced international senior leader. My wide range of experience covers all things creative, scripted and unscripted content, as well as business development and brand growth.”