Wind Sun Sky Entertainment appoints Redfern as MD, Kids
September 11, 2023
Wind Sun Sky Entertainment (WSS) has announced the appointment of Jo Redfern to the newly created role of Managing Director, Kids. A veteran in the multi-platform kids’ landscape, Redfern stands as an innovative leader within the realm of children’s media, bringing experience across the domains of entertainment, education, and technology. In this newly created role at WSS, Redfern is tasked with expanding the company’s footprint in the kids’ media business with a focus on the recently announced Future Chicken, an eco-initiative for kids combating climate doomism and empowering them to make a difference. Redfern is based at the company’s headquarters in Vancouver, with day-to-day oversight of the kids’ content team.
With a career spanning two decades, Redfern has become a prominent figure in the kids’ media realm, where she started as Marketing Manager for the Peppa Pig franchise and has since held key Brand and Marketing positions at media giants including Disney. She spent several years in public service broadcasting at the BBC as Head of Brand in the world-renowned BBC Children’s & Education division, where she played a pivotal role in the creative execution for the award-winning CBeebiesLand Theme Park and Hotel, a ground-breaking venture between BBC Studios and Merlin Entertainment at Alton Towers Resort in the UK.
As Global Head of Brand for 24 Watts, Redfern adapted robotics-based IP Cozmo into ‘Cozmo & Friends’, a multi-platform edutainment initiative that combined computer science elements with entertainment and spawned an animated series, branded Roblox experience and a presence across platforms such as TikTok and social media channels.
Now, in her newly established role as Managing Director, Kids, at WSS, Redfern undertakes the mission of expanding the company’s presence in the children’s media sector. She will be an integral part in their Future Chicken, a multi-platform endeavor designed to engage young minds in the fight against climate-related anxieties, while simultaneously empowering them to effect positive change. In her role, Redfern serves as the strategic driver behind franchise development, gaming and video production, and content distribution. Her purview extends to overseeing the Future Chicken YouTube channel, Roblox games, educational collaborations with non-profit partner The Ontario Water Center, and more, all with the goal of fostering a vibrant children’s community that seamlessly bridges their virtual and real worlds. Redfern will report directly to CEO/EP Catherine Winder.
“Redfern’s extensive experience in the children’s media and digital cross platform landscape is an exciting addition to our team as we continue to innovate at the intersection of technology and storytelling. Her forward-thinking approach will further elevate WSS as a leader in multi-platform storytelling and the future of children’s media at large,” said Catherine Winder, CEO of Wind Sun Sky Entertainment.