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³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Worldwide today announced the appointment of Neil Ross Russell as its new Managing Director for Children's.

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Neil will have responsibility for the cross-media, international exploitation across ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Worldwide's portfolio of children's brands, which range from pre-school to early teens and include some of the most popularÌýcharacters in the world such as Doctor Who, In the Night Garden, Teletubbies and Charlie and Lola.

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With a background in strategy and business development, Neil has most recently been Business Development Director for Sparrowhawk Media Group, now part of NBC Universal.

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One of his key achievements there was the creation of the ground-breaking digital independent children's channel KidsCo, a three –way joint venture between Sparrowhawk, Dic Entertainment and Nelvana.

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Now available in over 40 countries in Europe, Africa and Asia, the channel operates under a unique and innovative business model allowing all content providers to share in the revenue of the business.

Neil will report to Peter Phippen, Managing Director, ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Magazines, who says: "Neil's experience in working with major providers of children's TV entertainment from across the globe, plus his proven ability to develop creative and profitable new business models, makes him the perfect appointment for us.

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"I am delighted to welcome him to ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Worldwide where he will be able to make the most of our extensive portfolio of brands and properties."

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Neil Ross Russell says: "This is an incredibly exciting time to be joining the Children's business as we extend global and cross-platform opportunities for ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ brands. It's also a real privilege to be working on some of the most important brands in Children's Television today – and to have the opportunity to realise their potential in a rapidly evolving children's media environment.

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"I'll be working to maintain and improve upon the strategic alliance we have with our public service colleagues at CBeebies and C³ÉÈËÂÛ̳, to strengthen our existing relationship with top class indies and jv partners such as Ragdoll, Penguin and Tiger Aspect, and strengthening our position as the distributor of choice whilst maximising the value of the rights owned by the indie community."

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At Sparrowhawk Neil was charged with driving value growth for the company, in particular using new channels and technologies such as VOD/SVOD, mobile and broadband.

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In addition to the formation of KidsCo, he worked with regional teams to strengthen the strategic position of the Hallmark channels and developed new ways of exploiting the Hallmark library.

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Prior to joining Sparrowhawk, Neil had been a Strategy Consultant with LEK Consulting.

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He began his career with EMAP Radio, moving on to Sega Europe and PA Consulting before completing an MBA at the London Business School.

Neil is currently working as a consultant in ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Worldwide Channels and begins his new role on 11 August 2008. He replaces outgoing Director Gill Pritchard.

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Philip Fleming / Anna Kingsley

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