Executive quits Hit while Thomas has a New Line

Peter Byrne, the Executive of Consumer Products and Home Entertainment is leaving Hit, as the firm announces a restructure of its global operations.

The realignment involves the creation of four new divisions that will form two new lines of business; one focusing solely on Thomas and Friends and the other on Hit's other Global Brands such as Angelina Ballerina, Barney, Bob the Builder, Fireman Sam, Pingu and Rainbow Magic.

The Thomas and Friends line of business will comprise of three divisions; the New York based Thomas in America headed by Pam Westman will focus on North and South America.while the London-based Thomas headed by Rick Glankler will focus on the UK, Europe, Middle East and Africa and the Hong Kong based Thomas of Asia headed by Antonio Huabwho will focus on Australia and Japan.

Westman, Glankler and Huab will all report to HIT’s Chief Operating Officer, Sangeeta Desai while Hit’s Finance, Legal groups will remain centralised staff units supporting both lines of business. The Global Brands business will be managed from London by Jon Owen as one global division.  He will also have local staff based in New York, London and Hong Kong reporting to him.

President and CEO of Hit Entertainment Jeff Dunn said: This new organisation is the logical next step in the evolution of our brand management strategy. It will allow us to bring greater focus and attention to all of our brands, which are at different stages in their lifecycle and therefore require different resources to maximise their potential.

Dunn also commented on Peter Byrne's resignation, Peter is one of the most accomplished executives in the licensing industry and has served HIT both loyally and well. We will miss him and wish this talented individual well in his next endeavour.

The realignment will take immediate effect.