Vancouver-based Big Bad Boo Studios has recruited former WildBrain and Nelvana exec Jerry Diaz as its first-ever VP of global sales and distribution.

Diaz (pictured) joined the studio last month and is tasked with selling its expanding catalogue of original kids content — which includes popular animated preschool series 16 Hudson and new climate-change show Galapagos X — to broadcasters and streaming platforms in new markets.

Big Bad Boo is aiming to grow its European presence after launching a new office in Vienna, Austria, as well as do more business in Latin America and other global markets. One of Diaz’s key goals is to build an international sales team to help the studio expand its distribution business.

He will also look for opportunities to represent compatible third-party IPs in the global marketplace, which would be a first for Big Bad Boo.

“As we scale, having a robust leader [like Jerry in place] is critical to our ability to produce more shows, gap-finance series and expand our development slate,” said company co-founder and president Shabnam Rezaei in a release.

A 30-year industry veteran, Diaz previously headed up worldwide distribution for WildBrain and Nelvana, selling content for beloved brands such as Bob the Builder, Clifford the Big Red Dog and Backyardigans.

Big Bad Boo has several shows in production, including season four of 16 Hudson and a first season of 26 x 11-minute series Galapagos X, both of which were greenlit by pubcasters TVOKids, Radio-Canada, Knowledge Kids and TFO. The studio also hired art director Chris Muzyka (1001 Nights, Bob’s Burgers, My Little Pony) last week.

This story originally appeared in Kidscreen

Image courtesy of Big Bad Boo Studios