Connecticut-based mobile entertainment company Ruckus Media is utilizing its recent US$3.5 million Series A funding to make two key hires.

Chief content officer Jason Root (pictured), most recently from Nickelodeon, and marketing director Jeff Zakim, most recently with EMI Music are joining the startup. Both execs have been tapped to guide Ruckus’ mobile app efforts and further expand the company’s cross-platform growth.

As chief content officer, Root will oversee app development, creative and production for mobile devices across a variety of platforms as well as drive business development for strategic brand partnerships. Root has held senior positions at The Walt Disney Co. and Nickelodeon where, as SVP digital of Nickelodeon Kids & Family Group, he was responsible for expanding Nickelodeon’s multi-platform gaming, video and mobile efforts as well as strategic operations for family websites including Nick.com.

Zakim will step into the role of marketing director and lead all digital marketing initiatives including SEO, SEM and the expansion of the Ruckus network of marketing outlets, partnerships, consumer acquisition and revenue opportunities. Zakim hails from EMI Music, where he served as senior director of Global Digital Marketing.

Ruckus, which develops original storytelling apps for iPad, iPhone, Android and other mobile media platforms, has indicated that several partnership-driven projects are currently in the pipeline, of which Root and Zakim will play a crucial part.