London-based children’s prodco Coolabi has tapped ex-Disney programming exec Zoë Scurfield to head its development and production operations, reporting to Coolabi’s director of content, Michael Dee.

In her new role, Scurfield will be responsible for continuing the development and expansion of Coolabi’s television production business across animation and live action. She will serve as exec producer for all Coolabi productions and will be the key point person for broadcasters and production partners.

Scurfield joins Coolabi after working as an independent programming consultant involved in the strategy and development on such titles as Bookaboo, Mr Moon and Get Squiggling.

Prior to that, Scurfield spent 13 years with Disney, where she held a number of senior positions, rising to executive director of programming for Disney Channels UK, Scandinavia and emerging markets. She was responsible for all aspects of program planning, scheduling, acquisitions and commissioning across Disney.

Scurfield joins Coolabi’s Content team as the company revs up its slate of independent children’s programming, having recently delivered a second animated series of The Large Family to CBeebies and TF1 in France, as well as the first series of live-action drama Dead Gorgeous to CBBC and ABC Australia. The next show out of the blocks will be Poppy Cat, an animated preschool series headed to Nick Jr. UK.