Expanding US customer base now accounts for more than half Dubit's business.

Kids' youth research agency and digital entertainment developer Dubit is to open its first US office - and has hired the former head of Moshi TV to lead the initiative.

Brad Schultz (pictured) has been appointed to the role of VP of brand strategy and will oversee the growth of the LA-based facilities, supporting the company's expanding US customer base, which now accounts for more than half its business.

As well as being head of Moshi TV, Schultz's previous roles include director of digital media at interactive kids entertainment channel Kabillion and as founder of mobile games publisher Flying Penguin. He joins Dubit from kids talent network Tryout.

At Dubit, Schultz will be working with brands looking to extend their entertainment to children online, from initial research and business design through to digital production services.

Dubit CEO Ian Douthwaite commented: "Brad has a fantastic pedigree in children's entertainment and it's a great coup to have him join the team.

"Our business in the US has grown significantly over the past four years and having Brad represent us across the Americas will help us to provide an even greater service to our clients. LA is the home of entertainment and it makes sense for it to be the home of our first US office."

Schultz's appointment bolsters Dubit's presence in the US at the Kidscreen Summit, iKids and Digital Kids and New York Toy Fair during February, where he will work with the UK team before travelling to San Francisco to exhibit at the Games Developer Conference.