European duo quit Disney Channel

Reintegration of Jetix moves forward

By STEVE CLARKE

LONDON — Two of Disney Channel's European toppers have ankled as part of the outfit's reintegration with Jetix Europe, now wholly owned by the Mouse House.

They are Steve Aranguren, VP for global original programming, Disney Channels Europe, MidEast and Africa, and Michael Cairns, the division's managing director.

It is understood the pair quit around two weeks ago, but a Disney spokeswoman was unable to provide any details of the circumstances regarding their departure.

Boel Ferguson will now run the television business in the U.K. and Ireland as general manager for both Jetix and Disney Channels.

Ferguson has more than 20 years experience in broadcasting, including 13 in kids' TV and three running Jetix in the U.K. and Nordics.

Disney stressed that Aranguren's exit will not lead to any let up in investing in local production.

Marc Buhaj will now be responsible for this area as senior vice president, original production, Disney Channels and Jetix Europe, MidEast and Africa.

He was previously senior VP of programming, Jetix Europe, having joined Disney from Cartoon Network and Boomerang in the U.S. two years ago.

The changes follow the surprise resignation of Disney Channel’s London-based topper John Hardie, who last month said he was leaving the Mouse House after eight years to lead U.K. news org ITN.

Hardie, executive VP Disney Channels Europe, MidEast and Africa, was given the additional responsibility of running Jetix Europe in February.

In a statement Disney said: "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."