Michael Carrington is leaving his VP position at HIT Entertainment to become the new CEO of The Foundation, a Zodiak Kids-owned UK production company.

While at HIT, Carrington led the creative side as VP of global content and executive producer. A recognized leader in the global kids industry, he is known for commissioning some of the most engaging kids programs of recent times. He’s also recognized for his work in putting HIT’s brands creatively back on track, including Thomas & Friends and is credited with leading the reboot of Bob the Builder and the development of new animated series Little People, based on the Fisher-Price toy line. Carrington joined HIT a year and half ago from Turner Broadcasting, where he headed up the EMEA kids content team.

Prior to that, he was controller of CBeebies from 2006 to 2010. In a company statement, Carrington says that while it was a difficult decision to leave HIT, the opportunity to work across different formats, genres and age groups led him to join The Foundation.

Over the past year, both HIT Entertainment and Zodiak have seen executive shuffles. HIT recently added new members to its global content team, while Zodiak saw a restructuring of its leadership. Carrington will replace Nigel Pickard, who stepped down from the role of CEO earlier this year. Carrington’s appointment is the first under newly-minted Zodiak Kids CEO Jean-Philippe Randisi.

As CEO, Carrington will work with The Foundation’s managing director Gwen Hughes on the company’s current slate of programming, including Fort Boyard Ultimate Challenge, Let’s Play, Millie Me, Tickety Toc and The Floogals, and will spearhead the development effort.

His successor at HIT is Christopher Keenan. As the new VP, creative and executive producer, Keenan will be based out of HIT’s London office. He brings to HIT over 25 years of experience in the animation, kids and family entertainment industries. Prior to this, he served as SVP of creative affairs for Warner Bros.’ animation division. Keenan was also president and executive producer of Creating4Kids, a production and consulting firm that provides kids TV workshops. He starts work at HIT Entertainment on July 14.