Courtney Holt is taking on a larger role at Moonbug Entertainment, where he has been appointed as the company’s new Managing Director, Americas. Holt, who joined the kid-focused media company in February, will work to expand the reach of CoComelon, Blippi and other Moonbug brands in the region. In the role, Holt will oversee Moonbug’s Originals strategy, which creates and distributes longer-form film and television content through a network of global partners. Holt joined Moonbug earlier this year as the company’s first Global Head of Music and Strategic Audio Initiatives, responsibilities which will continue in his newly expanded role.
“Courtney’s track record in building and scaling media and music programs will be vital to bringing Moonbug’s brands to the next stage,” CEO René Rechtman said in the announcement. “His creativity, passion and relationships will help us deepen and expand our connection with fans across North America, our biggest market.”
Holt will report to Rechtman. He fills the role previously held by Andy Yeatman, who is departing Moonbug for a new opportunity that has not yet been announced.
“Andy’s leadership was crucial to our growth in the Americas. We’re grateful for his contributions and wish him the best in his next endeavor,” Rechtman said.
Moonbug marks a return to the audio business for Holt, who led Spotify’s podcasting efforts until his exit in April 2022. During his tenure at Spotify, Holt was among the executives that signed CoComelon to a podcast deal in 2022 to produce content for its main app as well as its standalone Spotify Kids app.
Prior to joining Spotify in 2017, Holt held executive roles at major media companies such as The Walt Disney Company, Maker Studios (acquired by Disney), Viacom (now Paramount) and Universal Music Group. Prior to joining Moonbug, Holt was President of the health-tech company Real, where he was overseeing Content, Product & Technology and Marketing.
“As a parent, I’m inspired by Moonbug’s ability to craft CoComelon, Blippi and other shows with creativity and care,” Holt said in a statement. “Millions of families love these shows because they’re fun and enriching. I’m excited to forge new partnerships and amplify current ones so these shows can resonate with more families in the region.”
Moonbug is part of Candle Media, the content company run by its Co-Chairmen and Co-CEOs, Kevin Mayer and Tom Staggs — both former Disney executives — and backed by investment capital from funds managed by Blackstone’s flagship private equity business. The company is behind some of the biggest kids’ entertainment brands, including CoComelon and Blippi. Moonbug says its audio content is currently available on more than 100 audio platforms worldwide.
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