Toronto-based Spin Master has added two creative executives to its entertainment division as the company looks to develop new global properties.

Former Guru Studio director Jamie Whitney has been tapped as executive producer and showrunner, while Sony Pictures Animation alum Alex Soto has joined as executive producer for creative development. The duo will work to develop evergreen global entertainment properties and build on the success of Spin Master series like PAW Patrol (pictured) and Rusty Rivets.

Based in Toronto, Whitney will be responsible for spearheading Spin Master’s latest preschool comedy action series Abby Hatcher, Monster Catcher. (The toon is part of a global broadcast partnership with Nickelodeon.) Previously, Whitney served as the original director for Spin Master’s preschool series PAW Patrol, and has directed shows including Jacob Two-Two and Max and Ruby for Toronto’s 9 Story Media.

L.A.-based Soto will be responsible for a pipeline of properties including an upcoming show in the boys action space. Most recently, Soto served as a director for Sony Pictures Animation. He also previously acted as supervising producer for Ben 10 with Cartoon Network Studios, and at Film Roman he was the supervising director on Ultimate Spider-Man for Disney XD.

Earlier this year, Jennifer Dodge rejoined the company in the newly created role of EVP of Spin Master Entertainment. After a two-year stint as SVP of development for Nickelodeon Preschool, Dodge returned to Spin Master to develop and launch strategies to further position the company’s entertainment division for ongoing growth and global success.

The efforts to grow Spin Master Entertainment come as the company saw its highest-recorded revenue and EBITDA for Q2 2017. Spin Master posted revenue of US$276.7 million, up 54% from the same period last year.

From Kidscreen