Saban Brands has appointed former Nickelodeon senior executive Rich Magallanes as SVP of development and production.

In his new role, he’ll drive  content development and production for the company’s TV and entertainment properties such as Popples, Cirque du Soleil—Luna Petunia and Emojiville. Magallanes will also play a role in conceiving new projects, procuring production partners and vetting potential content acquisitions.

Magallanes has more than 20 years of experience in domestic and international studio production, most recently serving as the SVP of current series and production at Nickelodeon before being laid off as part of parent company Viacom’s restructuring plans in March.

During his 18-year tenure at Nickelodeon he oversaw production on hit animated series like SpongeBob SquarePants, The Fairly OddParents, Danny Phantom, Sanjay and Craig and Breadwinners; co-developed Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Tuff Puppy; spearheaded international co-pros of Nick’s CG-animated series Rabbids Invasion and Get Blake!; and was the creative executive behind the DreamWorks partnership for Penguins of Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda and Monsters vs. Aliens.  

With Saban, Magallanes will take over the role currently held by Brian Casentini, who has been upped to SVP for the company’s flagship Power Rangers Franchise. Casentini will manage all creative for Power Rangers, including producing the upcoming live-action feature film in partnership Lionsgate, and executive producing the Power Rangers TV series, which airs on Nickelodeon and is in its 22^nd season.