NBCUniveral has named Deirdre Brennan as general manager of Sprout, the company’s 24-hour preschool network.

In her new role, Brennan will set the strategy for all network and digital operations, with organization oversight that includes programming, development, marketing, digital, finance, communications, insights and strategy. She will also manage the greenlight process and work with producers and international broadcasters to bolster the network’s relationships with top talent, writers and showrunners.

Prior to joining Sprout, Brennan was vice president of content at Corus Entertainment, where she oversaw the development, management and execution of the company’s kids slate of programming. She was also the head of children’s television at ABC TV in Australia and led programming, acquisition and commissioning across ABC Kids, ABC3 and ABC Children’s online and mobile offerings. Before that, she worked with BBC Worldwide, Nickelodeon Australia and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

“Deirdre is one of the most well-respected children’s media executives in the world–she is smart, strategic and collaborative–with a proven track record of success,” says Frances Berwick, president, lifestyle networks, NBCUniversal. “Sprout is evolving and growing rapidly as we reinvent our business model to an originals-driven brand, and I’m thrilled to have a leader with Deirdre’s unparalleled experience drive this growth phase.”