Nickelodeon UK & Ireland has hired the former UK director of programming at NBC Universal James Newton as VP of programming.

In his new post, Newton will be responsible for developing the scheduling and editorial strategy for the network across its seven specialty channels, as well as on-demand and digital platforms.

The 20-year industry veteran, who has worked with TV brands such as Disney Channel, UKTV, E!, Syfy, Universal Channel and Comedy Central, begins his new role with Nickelodeon on April 18. The job had been previously split between Alison Bakunowich (who became GM of Nickelodeon UK & Ireland  in March following Tina McCann’s exit) and VP Alan Musa, upon the departure of VP and director of programming, Tim Patterson, last August. Newton will report directly to Bakunowich.

Newton’s appointment follows the recent promotion of 25-year Nick veteran Lee Ann Chmielewski-Larsen to EVP of production at Viacom Kids and Family Group, as well as four senior management appointments at Viacom International Media Networks across Southern Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia and two at VIMN’s Canadian office.

Meanwhile, PAW Patrol, the number-one preschool series on Nickelodeon, will be on the road with its first-ever live stage show set for this fall.

Presented by Nickelodeon and VStar Entertainment Group, Paw Patrol Live!: Race to the Rescue will feature characters from the Spin Master Entertainment-produced CGI-animated TV series. The touring production will visit more than 90 cities across the US and Canada starting in October.

Paw Patrol Live!: Race to the Rescue tells the story of the great race between Adventure Bay’s mayor Goodway and Foggy Bottom’s mayor Humdinger. When mayor Goodway goes missing, the heroic Paw Patrol team comes to the rescue using their unique skills and teamwork to help her finish the race.