HIT Entertainment Forms Global Consumer Products Group

LONDON/NEW YORK, May 17: HIT Entertainment has created a new
division, Global Consumer Products Group, which will be headed by current
executive VP of international, Peter Byrne, effective immediately.

In his new role as executive VP of worldwide consumer
products, he will based in the company’s London headquarters, reporting to CEO
Bruce Steinberg. Byrne will assume responsibility for the company’s worldwide
licensing, promotions, brand and retail marketing, and creative services. In
addition, he is responsible for the company’s live events strategy and its
theme park ventures.

Jamie Cygielman, who will report to Byrne, will expand her
current responsibilities as senior VP and general manager of North America to
include HIT’s Canadian operations and the creative resources group in North
America.

Byrne joined HIT in September 2005, following the
acquisition of the company by Apax Partners. As the EVP of international, he
led the restructuring of the division and was key to the rapid expansion of the
company’s presence in world markets. He also spearheaded the recent acquisition
of the Rainbow Magic brand from Working
Partners Ltd. Prior to HIT, Byrne headed the worldwide licensing group at
Twentieth Century Fox, and before that, worked in the toy business with Kenner
and Matchbox.

Steinberg commented: “HIT is a truly worldwide company with
global brands like Bob the Builder, Thomas
& Friends and Barney and this is an important next step in the company’s
evolution and growth. Since joining HIT two years ago, Peter has been
instrumental in invigorating our international consumer products business, and
has a deep understanding of the landscape of our business. I am confident that
he is ideally qualified to help us drive the company to the next level of
growth.”