After 16 years, Finn Arnesen, one of the founders of Cartoon Network UK and current SVP & GM of original series and international development, is leaving Turner Broadcast System International.

Arnesen will be on-hand, representing Turner at MIPCOM next month, with his last day set as October 9. When reached this morning, Arnesen said he intends to take a much-needed break, and will look at working on select projects after he leaves Turner.

Most recently, Arnesen oversaw the development and production of all original series for Cartoon Network (and related channels) across EMEA and International territories, and worked very closely with the US development team in Burbank, California. He also established London-based Cartoon Network Development Studio Europe in 2006. Moreover, Arnesen has significantly increased the number of Turner Europe-owned and co-produced series during his tenure, which includes recent format successes Skatoony and Staraoke.

For its part, Turner International’s head office located in London said Arnesen leaves ‘with our best wishes and we thank him for his significant contribution over the years.’