HIT Execs Prepare to Leave

HIT Entertainment president and chief executive officer Jeffrey Dunn and chief operating officer Sangeeta Desai will be leaving the company after the closing of HIT’s acquisition by Mattel.

Dunn, who has helmed the company since March 2008, will exit immediately following the closing of the acquisition. Desai, who became chief operating officer in 2009, will depart following a short transition period.

Under Dunn and Desai’s leadership, HIT’s brands have enjoyed much success. Thomas & Friends is the world’s number one pre-school toy property. Fireman Sam is the UK’s number two pre-school boys’ property following reinvigoration of its creative content and the appointment of a new master toy licensee. New property Mike the Knight debuted as the number one show on CBeebies, achieving multiple sales to leading global broadcasters and securing a considerable licensee base.

 "It has been a tremendous pleasure working with both Jeff and Sangeeta," says Greg Dyke, chairman of HIT Entertainment. "They cared passionately about the business, the creative quality and the employees. They worked tirelessly to create a valuable company in difficult times and I wish them the very best."