Dade Hayes
Courtney Holt, a veteran media and tech exec who joined CoComelon and Blippi producer Moonbug Entertainment last February, has been upped to Managing Director, Americas.
He is replacing Andy Yeatman, who is exiting Moonbug for a yet-to-be-revealed new post.
Holt will lead the Candle Media-owned company’s creative and commercial teams in North America, reporting to René Rechtman, founder and CEO of Moonbug. Holt joined Moonbug as the company’s first Global Head of Music and Strategic Audio Initiatives, and those responsibilities will continue in his newly expanded role. After the shuffle, Holt will oversee Moonbug’s originals strategy. The company, which the Blackstone-backed Candle acquired for $3 billion in 2021, creates and distributes longer-form film and TV content through various global partners.
“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 press release. “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.”
Rechtman saluted Holt’s track record of “building and scaling media and music programs,” which he said would be will be vital to bringing Moonbug’s brands to the next stage.” He also recognized Yeatman, saying his “leadership was crucial to our growth in the Americas. We’re grateful for his contributions and wish him the best in his next endeavor.”
Prior to Moonbug, Holt spent three decades in leadership roles at Spotify, where he led their global podcast business, as well as Disney, Viacom, and Universal Music Group.