Shakeups at Chapman Entertainment

LONDON: Chapman Entertainment co-founder and managing director Greg Lynn is exiting the company, amid a restructure across its licensing, marketing, production and finance teams.

Lynn will move on to explore other interests, while co-founders Keith Chapman and Andrew Haydon remain in place. Other changes include Valerie Fry becoming the commercial director, with responsibility for licensing and marketing. She will be supported by Clare Wiggins, the head of marketing and live events, and Samantha Clapham, product development executive. The company will look to appoint a licensing and marketing agent.

Emily Whinnett remains as the director of production and will manage the final stages of filming across Little Charley Bear and Raa Raa the Noisy Lion, ahead of delivery to CBeebies later this year and in 2012.

The finance team will continue to be led by Erin Duffy in the short term with the support of Agnieszka Earl. Emma Way remains as legal affairs manager, while Suzanne Rivers takes on a wider role as office manager, among other responsibilities at Chapman.

Keith Chapman commented, “We are devastated to have to let go so many first class people who have contributed so much to our growth and success over the years. I can’t thank them enough for all they have done. But with soaring costs and challenging trading conditions, we’ve been forced to make these tough decisions. However, Charley and Raa Raa both show extremely positive early signs, and with Roary just launched into the U.S. through Toys R Us, with a major roll-out in early 2012, the future is looking bright.”