Zodiak Media has announced that Nigel Pickard is departing his role as CEO of Zodiak UK Kids and Chair of The Foundation, but will return as a consultant on a range of projects for the company. He will also continue on as executive producer on key titles for The Foundation including the new CG/live-action preschool series The Floogals, a co-production with Sprout in the U.S.
The Foundation will continue to operate under managing director Gwen Hughes, who was appointed to the position last year and oversees the company’s programming slate which includes Mister Maker, Big Barn Farm, Dani’s Castle, Waybuloo, Tickety Toc and Zack and Quack. Hughes will take on Pickard’s managerial responsibilities until a permanent replacement is found.
Pickard has worked in television since 1972 and held key kids programming titles at TVS, ITV and BBC Children. He joined RDF Media Group as director of kids, family entertainment and drama in 2006 and took up his most recent role following the acquisition by Zodiak in 2010. Pickard’s recent commissions for The Foundation include The Millie Show for CBBC, a Zack and Quack special for Nickelodeon and The Floogals.
