Jetix Europe has hired Orion Ross to the newly created position of VP Original Content and Creative. Ross will join Jetix Europe this summer and will report to Marc Buhaj, SVP of Programming for Jetix Europe.
Ross will spearhead original content and creative strategy for Jetix Europe, including the development of original series, the production of current series and branding across all platforms. Before joining Jetix Europe, Ross was based in Hong Kong as VP, Creative and Original Content for Turner Broadcasting Asia Pacific. Since 2001 he has supervised the creative strategy for Turner's entertainment networks including eight Cartoon Network channels, Boomerang, and TCM.
In 2004 Ross and his team launched Pogo, a multi-genre brand for Indian kids, and quickly moved to develop original programming for the channel. Successful Pogo franchises now include the top-rated and multi-award winning M.A.D. (Music, Art and Dance), the mystery series CAMBALA INVESTIGATION AGENCY, and the Pogo Amazing Kids Awards. In 2006, Ross developed and launched GALLI GALLI SIM SIM, the Indian adaptation of SESAME STREET now in its third season. In 2007 he set up an animation development unit to create the first generation of Cartoon Network original productions from Asia Pacific, and in 2008 commissioned ten animated pilots under the SNAPTOONS (Short New Asia Pacific Cartoons) banner.
Prior to joining Turner, Ross spent seven years in Asia working on channel branding and on-air promotions for the Star Group (including Star Plus, Star World, Star Sports, and Star Movies) and MGM. He has also written for film and television and worked in motion graphics and commercial production.
The hire of Ross follows that of Daniel Wineman, who also joined Jetix Europe earlier this month from Cartoon Network, where he previously worked as Director of Acquisitions and Co-productions in the U.S.
