Aardman Hires BBC Studios Commercial Director To Lead IP Push; Rejigs Board With Co-Founder Peter Lord Stepping Down To Focus On Creative Duties

EXCLUSIVE: Aardman, the iconic UK animation studio behind Wallace & Gromit and Chicken Run, has rejigged its top team and brought in a BBC Studios executive to oversee an IP push.

Aardman has hired Emma Hardie, Commercial Director of Global Entertainment for BBC Studios, to the newly-created role of Executive Commercial and Brand Director.

Aardman said Hardie will oversee financing, distribution, licensing, marketing, and planning of the studio’s animated intellectual property. She takes up the role, which includes a seat on Aardman’s executive board, on April 15.

Hardie has worked at BBC Studios for more than seven years, during which time she played a role in the company’s investments in producers Mothership TV and Mettlemouse Entertainment. She also executive produced BBC Studios’ first Snapchat commission for Planet Earth II and Blue Planet II miniseries.

Hardie’s hire comes amid a wider executive reshuffle at Aardman. Co-founder Peter Lord is stepping down from Aardman’s executive board to focus on overseeing the studio’s slate as Creative Director. Lord also intends to act as an ambassador for the company and British animation.

Aardman’s Director of Finance & Operations Kerry Lock is retiring after 28 years, with Joanna Cave promoted from Head of Finance to Finance Director. She has joined Aardman’s executive board.

Executive board members Sarah Cox and Daniel Efergan have received promotions to Chief Creative Director and Executive Creative Director of Interactive & Innovation respectively.

Aardman Managing Director Sean Clarke said: “Our approach has always been to champion, nurture and empower the brilliant talent that already exists at Aardman whilst also bringing on board the best of the best from elsewhere across the entertainment industry.

“It allows us to capitalise on the decades of experience of our colleagues whilst also ensuring we continue to bring in fresh ideas and new and innovative thinking. Needless to say, we are delighted that our co-founder Peter Lord will continue to play a vital role both here at Aardman and across the wider animation world.”