independent animation studio Aardman has announced the appointment of Kenny England in the newly created role of Director of Digital, Social, and Communities, and Amy Pearson as Director of Marketing. Both will report to Executive Commercial and Brand Director, Emma Hardie.

England will lead a new integrated digital strategy across Aardman’s social, YouTube and FAST channels. This role will be key to Aardman’s drive in the creative development and production of digital first content. England will be responsible for ensuring all digital activities align with the wider content and brand plans, driving engagement and reach across platforms. Most recently, England held the position of Head of Creative Branding & Digital at Lifted Entertainment, where he oversaw all social and digital strategy and output for channel-defining series including Love Island, I’m a Celebrity, Dancing on Ice and more. Prior to Lifted, he led digital and social teams at BBC Studios and ITV, creating, producing and delivering digital content plans for Top Gear, BBC Earth and The Voice.

Pearson’s role as Director of Marketing will be responsible for the strategic direction of all Aardman’s brands. She will have oversight of global brand strategy plans for all of Aardman’s intellectual property, working closely with stakeholders from across the studio as well as external partners. Pearson will also oversee the marketing and publicity teams driving a common vision for all of Aardman’s brands. Pearson joins the studio with over 20 years of experience in brand marketing and communications, leading teams and campaigns across a portfolio of entertainment brands and IPs including Peppa Pig, Postman Pat, as well as Cartoon Network programmes such as Power Puff Girls and Adventure Time. Pearson also led the consumer and corporate marketing and PR strategies for Beano Studios.

England commented: “Joining Aardman is a dream come true and, for me, a full-circle moment, having started out studying animation at college. I have always held immense respect for Aardman’s incredible work and have been a longtime fan of their world-renowned brands. After over a decade of experience in the entertainment and broadcast industry, I’m thrilled to work for such a prestigious and globally recognised company and I’m ready to embrace this exciting new challenge.”

Pearson said: “Aardman has always been the north star for creative animated content and I’m incredibly excited to join such a successful, iconic and Oscar nominated Studio. It is a pivotal time for the company and its brands, with many interesting projects on the near horizon – I can’t wait to be part of the amazing Aardman team.”

Hardie added: “Kenny and Amy are both shining lights in their respective spheres. Their creativity, passion for what they do and success in bringing great brands to global audiences make them a perfect fit for Aardman […] Aardman’s characters and brands have grown significantly over that time, and with Amy and Kenny joining for our next phase of growth, I am really excited for what the future holds.”

Aardman IPs include Wallace & Gromit, Shaun the Sheep, Chicken Run and Morph.

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Tags: Aardman, Cartoon Network, FAST, youtube