Production and development vet Joe D’Ambrosia has been named VP of programming for the new broadcast brand Disney Junior.

Reporting to Nancy Kanter, SVP of Disney Junior Worldwide, D’Ambrosia is overseeing production and programming strategies and creative development of entertainment and learning-based TV properties, including the upcoming animated series Jake and the Never Land Pirates and current series Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Special Agent Oso. D’Ambrosia is also developing new full-length and short-form series, including a new series starring Minnie Mouse.

D’Ambrosia joins Disney after spending two decades writing, producing and developing children’s programming and family films at companies including Murray Hill 5 Productions, which he co-founded, Nickelodeon and Sony Pictures Family Entertainment. He began his career at Nickelodeon and went on to launch Sony Pictures Family Entertainment, overseeing the development and production of numerous family films and television series.

The Disney Junior block launches on Disney Channel US on February 14, while the planned 24/7 channel will debut State-side in 2012.