TORONTO — Kids and family entertainment maker and broadcaster WildBrain announced today it has hired Lorna Withrington (above) for the newly created role of vice-president of development-animation.
She joins WildBrain from Spin Master, where she held the position of director of development. Prior to that, she held management roles in development, creative affairs, acquisitions and production at Entertainment One and HIT Entertainment/Mattel.
“Withrington is a recognized leader in the creative development and acquisition of kids’ and family properties with franchise appeal. She brings wide-ranging experience on international co-productions and in the creation of 2D, 3D and hybrid series, with a career spanning such properties as Paw Patrol, PJ Masks, Peppa Pig, Bob the Builder, Fireman Sam and Thomas & Friends,” reads the press release announcing her appointment.
In her new role at WildBrain, Withrington “will help drive the strategic vision behind the company’s diverse, multi-genre slate of original animation, collaborating closely with creators, writers, artists and other production stakeholders to instill creative excellence in WildBrain’s shows,” says the release.
Her responsibilities also include expanding existing WildBrain properties and activating expertise across the company’s divisions to create successful franchises, says the release. Based in Toronto, Withrington reports to WildBrain’s executive vice-president of content and current series, Stephanie Betts.
