FremantleMedia Kids & Family Entertainment has tapped Maurizio Distefano as licensing agent in Italy for its hit preschool property Tree Fu Tom.

Distefano is now responsible for finding brand partners and developing consumer sales strategies for the property in the Italian market.

His appointment coincides with airing of the remaining half of the second season of Tree Fu Tom on Turner-owned Cartoonito in Italy. It also follows the January announcement of Jazwares as the new master toy partner for the property. A local Italian toy distributor is expected to be announced shortly, and products should launch at retail later this year.

Set in the enchanted world of Treetopolis, Tree Fu Tom follows the magical adventures of a young boy named Tom. The series combines interactive physical activity with heroism, fantasy and magic. It currently broadcasts in more than 123 territories around the world.

Co-produced by FremantleMedia and BBC for CBeebies, with animation from Blue Zoo in London, a third season of Tree Fu Tom (20 x 22 minutes) is set to air on the UK pubcaster in 2016.