CHF Media president exits

Francis Fitzpatrick is leaving CHF Media Group, the UK animation indie born out of the ashes of the famous Cosgrove Hall Productions company.

Fitzpatrick has stepped down from his post as CHF president, though he remains a part of the majority shareholder group that founded the firm in 2011.

“It has been a privilege to work with Francis since the company’s inception,” said CHF managing director Simon Hall. “While he will no longer be actively involved in our business, I trust his new ventures will be just as successful.”

Jenny Johnstone, CHF’s head of business development, has been appointed his successor, and will now oversee the firm’s global licensing and merchandising efforts.

“The Company has benefitted from Mr. Fitzpatrick’s involvement and leadership in helping to move the organisation forward,” said board chairman John Levitt. “We wish him well in his new endeavours and thank him for his dedication and hard work.”

CHF’s biggest hit since launch is Pip Ahoy!, which airs in the UK on Channel 5 and has sold internationally via Ireland’s Monster Entertainment.

The firm was created two years after Danger Mouse and Rainbow producer Cosgrove Hall was wound down by UK broadcaster ITV. The move was considered a serious blow to the British animation community at the time.