Michael Carrington leaves Turner and joins Hit

Michael Carrington is leaving his position as head of content at Cartoon Network and Turner’s other kids channels in the EMEA region. He is joining Hit Entertainment in the newly created position of head of content and production, Hit Global Brands.

Carrington is a well-known figure in the kids industry, having been controller of BBC kids channel CBeebies prior to joining Turner.

At Hit, Carrington will be based in the company’s London office. He will be responsible for enhancing its current properties and its development slate and report to senior VP, Edward Catchpole.

Marion Edwards will continue in her role as executive producer of HIT’s brands, and report to Michael.

Catchpole said: “Michael has a great passion for and unprecedented track record in nurturing talent and developing engaging programming for children. Hit’s brand portfolio will benefit hugely from his experience, which, combined with Marion’s expertise in developing highly successful preschool properties, will make them a winning team.”

“Hit Entertainment has been a phenomenon in preschool programming since the very start” added Michael Carrington. “As a broadcaster, I have long admired the company for its creativity, innovation and sheer skill at knowing exactly what it is that younger kids want. And now it’s got the resources, the ambition and the know-how to become bigger and better in a world where even preschool children are demanding great characters and stories across an increasing number of platforms.”

A date has yet to be announced for Carrington’s arrival. He joined Turner in early 2010 after the departure of Finn Arnesen.

He leaves amid wide-ranging restructuring at the Time Warner-owned company. It has reorganised its management structure and is shedding about a third of its headcount.

This week Turner hired Giorgio Stock from Disney to run its EMEA operation.