VARIETY reports that two London-based Disney Channel EMEA execs have departed the company: Steve Aranguren, VP for global original programming and managing director Michael Cairns.
The departure happened two weeks ago, and is related to Disney's full takeover of Jetix Europe. Bob Ferguson is now set to run the television side in the U.K. and Ireland and act as general manager for the Jetix and Disney Channels. He has more than 20 years of broadcast experience and 13 years running three Jetix channels in the U.K. and the Nordic region.
Marc Buhaj will take over Aranguren's responsibilities as senior vice president, original production, Disney Channels and Jetix Europe, MidEast and Africa. Buhaj previously was SVP of programming at Jetix Europe and previously was at Cartoon Network and Boomerang in the U.S.
Last month, Executive VP Disney Channels EMEA, John Hardie left abruptly after being given Jetix Europe to run in February.
The company said in a statement, "We are working through the final stages of the planning and implementation of the Jetix and Disney Channels integration, which aims to create a new organization drawing on the talents and assets of each to achieve new heights of success in the U.K. and Europe."
-- By News Editor Annemarie Moody
