Margaret Loesch has joined Andy Heyward’s kids producer and distributor Genius Brands International.

Loesch was the founding president and chief creative officer of Discovery Communications-Hasbro joint venture channel Hub TV (which is now run by Discovery as Discovery Family Channel). She also oversaw the creation of Hallmark Channel when president and CEO of its parent group Crown Media.

Loesch’s long list of production credits include Smurfs, My Little Pony and Mighty Morphin Power Rangers.

She replaces Jeff Weiss, president and COO of American Greetings Corporation. Genius said he will remain an advisor, but leave the board due to other obligations.

Loesch will sit alongside other Genius directors including the former Governor of California, Gray Davis and Lynne Segall, publisher of The Hollywood Reporter.

Former DiC Entertainment chief Heyward said: “From her earliest days at Hanna-Barbera Productions and The Jim Henson Company, to her roles with Fox Kids Network Worldwide, Hallmark Channel US and the Hub TV Network, Margaret has earned a stellar reputation and unparalleled success in all phases of children’s and family entertainment.”