Preschool powerhouse HIT Entertainment has realigned its business units, creating one focused solely on Thomas & Friends and the other on HIT Global Brands (Angelina Ballerina, Barney, Bob the Builder, Fireman Sam, Pingu and Rainbow Magic).

The realignment will take immediate effect. And as part of the restructure, Peter Byrne, EVP of international consumer Pproducts and home entertainment, is leaving the company. HIT’s Finance, Legal, HR and IT groups will remain centralized staff units supporting both lines of business.

The Thomas & Friends business is being managed across three divisions – New York-based Thomas Americas headed by Pam Westman, London-based Thomas EMEA headed by Rick Glankler and Hong Kong-based Thomas Asia headed by Antonio Huab, all of whom will report to Sangeeta Desai, HIT’s COO.

Also reporting to Desai will be Jon Owen, who will manage the HIT Global Brands unit from London as one global division.