Aardman Adds to Brand & Licensing Team

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Aardman has appointed Kenny England to the newly created role of director of digital, social and communities and Amy Pearson as director of marketing.

England most recently held the position of head of creative branding and digital at Lifted Entertainment, where he oversaw all social and digital strategy for series such as Love Island. Pearson joins with over 20 years of experience in brand marketing and communications, having worked across a portfolio that includes Peppa Pig, Postman Pat and The PowerPuff Girls.

Prior to his time at Lifted Entertainment, England 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.

In his new role at Aardman, he will lead a new integrated digital strategy across the company’s social, YouTube and FAST channels. He will be responsible for ensuring all digital activities align with the wider content and brand plans, driving engagement and reach across platforms.

As director of marketing, Pearson 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 IP, working closely with stakeholders from across the studio as well as external partners. She will also oversee the marketing and publicity teams, driving a common vision for all of Aardman’s brands.

In addition to her work on Peppa Pig, Postman Pat, The PowerPuff Girls and more, Pearson led the consumer and corporate marketing and PR strategies for Beano Studios. Most recently, she served as brand director at DK Books.

Pearson takes up the role of director of marketing following the departure of Lucy Wendover, who has worked in Aardman’s brands and licensing team since 2000.

“Joining Aardman is a dream come true and, for me, a full-circle moment, having started out studying animation at college,” England said. “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 recognized company, and I’m ready to embrace this exciting new challenge.”

“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,” Pearson commented. “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.”

Emma Hardie, executive commercial and brand director to whom England and Pearson will report, 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. A huge thank you, too, to Lucy Wendover for her amazing marketing and brand leadership over the last 25 years. 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.”