Sangeeta Desai has joined HIT Entertainment as the entertainment provider’s new chief operating officer.
In her new job, Desai will oversee business development, global brand management, consumer products, live events, marketing, communications and creative resources. She will be based in London.
Desai comes to HIT, makers of such popular animated fare as Thomas the Tank Engine and Bob the Builder, from Apax Partners, a private equity firm in which she was a partner. She worked in that capacity with HIT on a number of initiatives dating back to the arrival at HIT of CEO Jeff Dunn in March 2008.
‘Sangeeta is one of the brightest people I have ever worked with,’ said Dunn. ‘She has a keen understanding of the HIT business and I am delighted that she has chosen to join us full time. As the children’s entertainment business shifts and changes, it is clear that Sangeeta will be a formidable asset to our company, enhancing our day to day operations and profitability and strategically positioning us for growth in the years ahead.’
Prior to joining Apax, Desai was in the U.K. advisory group of Goldman Sachs where she advised clients on M&A and corporate finance. Her earlier experience was with JPMorgan where she worked in investment banking and equity research.
