Gwen Hughes has been promoted from head of production to MD at Zodiak Media-owned The Foundation, as former MD Vanessa Hill departs from the UK-based production company behind Finger Tips, Stephen & Holly’s Showdown and Waybuloo.

During her 30-year career, Hughes has worked across news, sport, drama and children’s television in a variety of production roles, with credits including children’s series Motormouth and Tickety Toc. She joined The Foundation in 1996 as production assistant – two years after the company was formed by Hill and Ged Allen at The Maidstone Studios in Kent, UK.

In her new role as MD, she will report to The Foundation’s CEO and chairman Nigel Pickard starting September 1.

The Foundation has a number of new series in the pipeline, including a new hidden-camera/prank game show concept in collaboration with marblemedia and a Mister Maker spinoff series for CBeebies.