Moonbug Entertainment, the kids media company behind Netflix’s massively popular “CoComelon” series, appointed Courtney Holt its new managing director for the Americas. Holt takes over the position from Andy Yeatman, who is departing Moonbug for an unspecified new gig.
Holt, a digital media veteran who has worked at Spotify and Disney, joined Moonbug earlier this year as the company’s first global head of music and strategic audio initiatives, areas he will continue to oversee in his newly expanded role.
As Moonbug’s head of the Americas, Holt will oversee the company’s originals strategy, leading the creative and commercial teams in North America that create and distribute film and TV content through a network of global partners. Holt reports to René Rechtman, founder and CEO of Moonbug.
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“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.”
Rechtman commented, “Courtney’s track record in building and scaling media and music programs will be vital to bringing Moonbug’s brands to the next stage. His creativity, passion and relationships will help us deepen and expand our connection with fans across North America, our biggest market.”
Yeatman joined Moonbug in 2019. He had previously been Netflix’s director of kids and family programming before he was dismissed by the streamer in 2017. “Andy’s leadership was crucial to our growth in the Americas,” Rechtman said. “We’re grateful for his contributions and wish him the best in his next endeavor.”
Holt previously was Spotify’s head of studios and video, where he helped build the streamer’s global podcast business and signed creator partnerships before leaving in mid-2022. Prior to joining Spotify in 2017, Holt had been at Disney since 2014 when he came over as part of the management team running digital content Maker Studios and subsequently was named Disney’s EVP of advanced media strategy. Before that, he served as president of MySpace and was EVP of digital strategy for music and media at Viacom’s MTV Networks. Earlier in his career, Holt worked at Universal Music Group, where he was involved in the company’s first digital music initiatives.
Moonbug Entertainment is a part of Candle Media, the media rollup company led by co-chairmen and co-CEOs Kevin Mayer and Tom Staggs and backed private-equity giant Blackstone. Candle bought Moonbug in 2021 in a $3 billion deal.
Founded in 2018, Moonbug distributes its shows on more than 150 video platforms globally including Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer and YouTube Kids. The company’s preschool music and audio content is available on 100-plus audio platforms globally, and it also operates consumer products and live events lines of business.
Pictured above: Courtney Holt (l.), Andy Yeatman
