Hidden Pigeon Company Names Kristofer Updike SVP, Creative

Hidden Pigeon Company (HPC), known for furthering the reach of author/illustrator, Mo Willems’s, character brands, has named Kristofer Updike, a veteran children’s entertainment executive with deep expertise in development and production, content creation, senior vice president, creative. Updike reports to Karen K. Miller, chief executive officer, Hidden Pigeon Company.

“Kristofer is a true creative with a keen sense of character and story and his ability to deliver with both warmth and humor reflects the foundation of Hidden Pigeon Company,” says Miller. “He’s also one of the most well-liked and respected creatives in the business. With decades of experience across all key aspects of the kids’ and family space, from television and film to theater production, Kristofer will be invaluable in helping HPC achieve many important wins ahead in the areas most important to the company’s growth.”

“I am so excited to be a part of this amazing company aimed at expanding the reach of Mo Willems’s incredible library of properties and characters,” says Updike. “We have a lot of exciting things in the works as we look to bring these standout character brands into a whole new chapter of opportunity and success.”

In his new role, Updike will work alongside HPC founder, Mo Willems, and executive producer/ showrunner, Tim McKeon, to oversee all television and theatrical creative. This includes the development and production of book-based character IP as Elephant & Piggie, Knuffle Bunny and The Pigeon, as well as a collection of characters from Willems’s other books.

Related:Mo Willems on Bringing Stories and Franchises to Life in New Ways

For more than 20 years, Updike has held a variety of key roles in the entertainment business. He’s worked as a development and production executive, content creator, writer, producer, post-production supervisor and showrunner, across three entertainment mediums – television, film and theater. His extensive and impressive track record in children’s television includes developing and producing more than 900 half-hours of animation and live-action scripted and unscripted content, encompassing preschool, ages 2-6, 6-12, young adult and family.

Prior to joining HPC, Updike was vice president, development, Peacock, where he implemented the Peacock Kids streaming portfolio and managed development and production of $100 million worth of internationally recognized intellectual property, as well as new original entertainment for families and kids ages 2-12.

Previous to his role at Peacock, Updike served as senior director, original programing and development, Universal Kids; director/senior manager, original production and development, Sprout and vice president, production, Bix Pix Entertainment.

Related:Hidden Pigeon Company Names New CEO