Comcast's NBCUniversal unit has hired Russell Hampton, who was president of Disney Publishing Worldwide until a year ago, for the newly created executive VP-franchise management and global consumer products slot.

The 17-year Disney staffer reports to Lauren Zalaznick, chief digital strategist for CEO Steve Burke

Hampton is charged with developing the kids and family space categories for NBCU.

At Disney, he fostered growth of the Muppets franchise after Disney acquired the Kermit-led group from Jim Henson Co. in 2004 in a $680M deal.

He also spearheaded Disney’s push into the educational market in China via its chain of English language schools.

At NBCU, Hampton will coordinate activities among units such as Universal Pictures/theme parks, NBC, MSNBC, Bravo, Telemundo and digital properties.

Prior to Disney, Hampton worked at Baby Einstein Co. and J.P. Morgan.