Hugh Baldwin is taking the reins as director of television and content acquisitions for Nickelodeon Australia and New Zealand.

The director of programming position was left open mid last year by Deirdre Brennan’s departure to BBC Worldwide, and was overseen in the interim by Katrina Southon, whose new role as SVP & MD of MTV Networks Australia & New Zealand goes into effect today.

Baldwin’s new role builds upon his previous position as digital media director for Nickelodeon Australia & MTV Networks Australia & New Zealand and it reflects the network’s emphasis on a single-minded content strategy across platforms. His new responsibilities will drive Nickelodeon’s programming and content strategies, including the management and planning of intellectual properties, programming acquisitions and development, and media planning for television and online. Baldwin will also be involved with MTV Networks International on a variety of initiatives and projects, including continuing his work on the International Apps and Digital councils, and representation of Nickelodeon Australia on the Nickelodeon International Program Council.

Baldwin has been with Nickelodeon Australia for four years and has worked across the MTV Digital portfolio for much of the last two years.