Atomic Cartoons Taps Former Disney Programming Exec

Atomic Cartoons has hired Kitty Walsh as its new executive director of development.

Walsh previously served as director of development at Disney Junior, where she most recently was the lead development executive on the new series Robogobo and the 2021 special Mickey’s Tale of Two Witches. She also worked on the development of the Disney Junior series The Chicken Squad and Eureka!

At Atomic, Walsh will be spearheading development across all kids and family demographics. She and her team will be actively sourcing and developing IP while continuing to foster and grow relationships with creative partners. She is reporting to the VPs of Atomic Originals, Aaron Behl and Kristin Cummings.

“It is a privilege to have Kitty join our studio,” said Atomic Cartoons/Thunderbird’s chief creative officer and Thunderbird’s president, Matthew Berkowitz. “Her exceptional eye for discovering and developing incredible IP and talent is a welcome addition to our team and will further accelerate the growth of Atomic’s development slate. Continuing to broaden our studio offerings with high-quality content that appeals to kids and their families around the world is our priority at Atomic, and Kitty will play a major role in this area.”

“I am thrilled to be a part of the talented Atomic Cartoons team,” said Walsh. “The studio’s philosophy of supporting creator-driven projects, developing beloved fandom-driven IP and attracting exceptional artistic talent really appealed to my creative sensibilities. I’ve always loved animation, and I can’t think of a better place to collaborate with storytellers and artists to develop impactful content for fans across the world to enjoy.”

Additionally, Rose Stacey has been promoted from development coordinator at Atomic to manager of development. Stacey will be working with Walsh on advancing the original development slate and bringing in new original IP.