Zodiak Kids Taps BBC Children’s Alum for Creative Lead

Zodiak Kids and Family Studio UK has tapped Cheryl Taylor, former BBC Children’s head of content, as creative director.

Taylor will be transitioning into the role of outgoing Creative Director Steven Andrew, who is retiring from the industry. Until last year, Taylor was head of content at BBC Children’s, where she was responsible for commissioning 500 hours of multi-genre content per year across CBeebies, CBBC and BBC iPlayer.

Andrew joined Zodiak in 2011 from CBBC and has been responsible for a wide-ranging slate of programs, including Secret Life of Boys, Spy School, Flatmates, The Lodge and Joe All Alone. Taylor and Andrew will work together until the spring to ensure a smooth transition.

Taylor will report to Banijay Kids and Family CEO Benoit Di Sabatino and Zodiak Kids and Family UK COO Gwen Hughes.

“I am very proud of the programming we have brought to life for millions of viewers during my ten years at Zodiak Kids and will miss the incredible talent on- and off-screen that I have worked with during this time,” said Andrew. “However, I am thrilled the remit is being placed in Cheryl’s hands. Having worked together at the BBC and then on many of our series at Zodiak Kids, I know she will be brilliant and am looking forward to working together as she comes on board.”

“Zodiak Kids and Family has a stellar reputation for producing inventive stories for children of all ages and I’m delighted to be joining a team who feel as strongly as I do about inspiring young audiences,” Taylor said. “I’m honored to be picking up the reins from Steven—he’s been responsible for an exceptional canon of work and has always demonstrated enviable flair for growing popular titles and nurturing new talent.”

Di Sabatino commented, “It takes at least the talent of Cheryl Taylor to succeed the very talented Steven Andrew. We will miss you, Steven. Welcome, Cheryl!”