McCann has served as Nick UK's Senior Vice President (SVP) and Managing Director (MD) for the past five-and-a-half years, but is exiting to resume work as a freelance executive coach and media consultant.
Tina McCann
Bakunowich will take up her new role in March 2016, overseeing Nickelodeon UK's bouquet of channels and multiplatform properties, which are run as joint ventures with satcaster Sky and Nickelodeon's parent company, Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN).
Nickelodeon UK's viewing share has grown for the past five years under McCann's leadership. Nick Jr. has recently recorded its highest ever daily and weekly share of viewing among children aged four to 15. This strong performance has helped the Nickelodeon UK network claim the number one spot in the children's TV ratings throughout October and November 2015.
McCann joined Nickelodeon UK from Turner Broadcasting System in April 2010 as MD and senior VP, replacing the departed Howard Litton. She had been at Turner since 1993, rising to SVP and general manager of EMEA, helping to launch 17 channels in a variety of languages during her more than 10 years at the company.
During her time at the helm of Nickelodeon UK, McCann commissioned hit shows such as "Lily's Driftwood Bay" and "Puffin Rock" and launched Nickelodeon UK's award-winning mobile streaming service Nick Play.
Alison Bakunowich
Her replacement, Bakunowich, joined Nickelodeon in 2008, and has been VP, Head of Editorial since September 2015, having previously been VP, creative, marketing and communications since April 2011. She has previously held roles at Fairfax Media and Publicis in her native Australia.
"I've had a slime-tastic six years at Nick and am delighted to hand over the best job in kids TV to such a talented, passionate Nick fan as Alison. Orange blood courses though her veins," McCann said.
David Lynn, President, Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) UK, Australia and Eastern Europe, added: "Tina has been an outstanding leader for Nickelodeon UK and is handing over on an amazing high. Alison has been absolutely integral to Nickelodeon's competitive success in recent years.
"The shareholders are delighted to have such a dynamic internal candidate with obvious passion for and understanding of Nickelodeon's brand and content to ensure a smooth succession for the business."
Available in over 13 million homes, Nickelodeon is the place where kids rule and features top shows such as Nickelodeon's Kids' Choice Awards, The Haunted Hathaways, The Thundermans, SpongeBob SquarePants and Sam & Cat. Launched in 1993, Nickelodeon brings hit international and locally-produced entertainment content to audiences in the UK and Ireland. Viewers can also watch Nickelodeon in high definition through Nickelodeon HD and have the opportunity to catch up with the schedule through Nickelodeon +1. Exclusive games, behind the scenes clips, show information and more are available on nick.co.uk and Nick Play where viewers can find exclusive content updated daily. Viewers can watch Nickelodeon on Sky, Virgin, TalkTalk, BT Vision, YouView, VUTV on Freeview and on UPC in the Republic of Ireland.
The Nickelodeon Network brings the best in kids' content to the UK and Ireland with Nickelodeon channels available in over 13 million cable and satellite homes. Having launched in 1993 Nickelodeon UK comprises seven dedicated entertainment channels for kids aged 4-15 and their families.
NickALive! would like to wish Tina all the best for all her future endeavours and Alison all the best in her new role as General Manager of Nickelodeon UK & Ireland!
Sources: Digital TV Europe, TBI Vision, Broadcast, Licensing Source, Kidscreen.
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