Stephen Moore has joined UK-based animation company Aardmanas head of features and chief operating officer, starting immediately.

Moore comes onboard the Aardman team after relocating back to the UKafter eight years in Los Angeles aspresident of international for Twentieth Century Fox. He oversaw both thetheatrical and home entertainment divisions at Fox.

"Icouldn't be more delighted," Moore said. "I was attracted to Aardman because of their undoubted commitment toexcellence and creative brilliance. It's great to join a company that createsproducts that have a truly global influence and prestige. I'm looking forwardto making a real contribution to their future growth and success."

The appointment was announced by Aardmanco-founders David Sproxton and Peter Lord. Sproxton said, "Aardman is very pleased to have been ableto appoint Stephen at this point in the studio's history. Stephen's vast experiencewill enable the studio to build considerably on its recent successes andincrease its opportunities in many arenas."

Bristol-based Aardman, home toWallace and Gromit, has a five-feature deal withDreamWorks Animation.