New CEO for Jetix Europe

LONDON: Disney Channels EMEA chief John Hardie is adding the post of CEO of Jetix Europe to his mandate, following the December announcement that Disney would be taking 100-percent ownership of the pan-regional kids’ broadcaster.

In December, Disney announced its intention to bring its ownership of Jetix Europe to 100 percent. At the end of last month, Jetix Europe shareholders approved a buyback offer for 11 euros a share and a de-listing from the NYSE Euronext Amsterdam stock exchange, planned for February 27.

Hardie, the executive VP of Disney Channels in Europe, the Middle East and Africa—a position he will retain—takes over from Paul Taylor, effective immediately.

When Disney announced its plans to acquire the outstanding Jetix Europe shares, it stated that the move would deliver improved programming, more targeted branding, integrated management and company-wide synergies. Disney first acquired its Jetix Europe stake in 2001 when it bought Fox Family Worldwide from News Corp. Today, the broadcaster reaches 137 million television households in 58 countries and 18 languages.