Kerry Novick, VP of global distribution at The Jim Henson Company, is retiring after a 30-year career in international sales for some of the industry’s biggest producers/distributors. 

This is Novick’s last week of full-time work, but she’ll remain involved in an advisory capacity until Henson hires her replacement. She joined the studio in February 2022 to head up its distribution business and build co-production and co-financing partnerships. During her tenure, Novick has sold series such as Sid the Science Kid, Word Party and Splash and Bubbles worldwide.  

“The Jim Henson Company is not just a company; it’s a family. And I’ve loved being a member of this creative and inspired family over the last few years,” Novick tells Kidscreen. “Working with the very talented Halle Stanford has been such a joy—her excitement on projects is contagious. And it’s particularly hard to leave just when we have the live-action/puppetry preschool series Wowsabout coming together that’s all about finding awe in the world. I guess you could say I’m taking a page from Wowsabout and going out to find my own awe in retirement.” 

As she settles into post-work life, Novick plans to compete internationally in adult figure skating—a lifelong passion for this former Ice Capader—as well as painting, hiking and spending time with friends. 

Her retirement closes out a career that has seen Novick serve as director of sales at Sesame Workshop for Asia and LatAm; an Australasian sales agent for Nelvana; and SVP of global sales, acquisitions and business development for Kidtagious Entertainment. She also formed her own company, Small Screen Distribution, in 2004 and served as president for 12 years. Fremantle, 4Kids Entertainment, Henson and Sparky Animation were among Small Screen’s clients. 

“While it’s hard to make a break from the people in the kids business, I’m glad for the lifelong friends I now have all around the world,” says Novick. “Our industry has changed so quickly, and it’s more important than ever for us to keep talking to each other. There are now endless outlets for programming: My message to all of you is to keep it coming!”