Moonbug appoints Courtney Holt as Managing Director, Americas

Media industry veteran to lead creative and commercial operations in the region

LOS ANGELES, Calif. - May 31, 2024 - Moonbug Entertainment, a part of Candle Media, today announced the appointment of Courtney Holt as the company’s new Managing Director, Americas. Holt will lead the creative and commercial teams in North America responsible for bringing the joy and imagination of CoComelon, Blippi and other Moonbug brands to families in the region. Holt will report to René Rechtman, founder and CEO of Moonbug Entertainment. He fills the role previously held by Andy Yeatman, who is departing Moonbug for a to-be-announced new opportunity.

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. 

“As a parent, I’m inspired by Moonbug’s ability to craft CoComelon, Blippi and other shows with creativity and care,” said Holt. “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.”

“Courtney’s track record in building and scaling media and music programs will be vital to bringing Moonbug’s brands to the next stage,” said René Rechtman, founder and CEO, Moonbug Entertainment. “His creativity, passion and relationships will help us deepen and expand our connection with fans across North America, our biggest market.” Added Rechtman: “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.”

Prior to Moonbug, Holt spent three decades in leadership roles at Spotify, where he led their global podcast business, as well as The Walt Disney Company, Viacom, and Universal Music Group, where he was one of the architects of the music giant’s digital evolution. 

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About Moonbug Entertainment:

Moonbug is an award-winning global entertainment company inspiring kids everywhere to laugh, learn and grow. The company is behind some of the biggest kids’ entertainment brands in the world including CoComelon and Blippi. Moonbug believes every child should have access to entertaining and enriching content, making its shows available on more than 150 video platforms globally including Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer and YouTube Kids. The company is also a global leader in pre-school music and audio experiences, available on 100+ audio platforms globally. Moonbug brands extend far beyond the screen to include streaming music, consumer products and live events. 

Moonbug is part of Candle Media, an independent, creator-friendly home for cutting-edge, high-quality, category-defining brands and franchises. By bringing together elite talent operating at the intersection of content, community, and commerce, it helps to position leading entertainment businesses for accelerated, sustainable growth in the current market and beyond. Candle is run by its Co-Chairmen and Co-CEOs, leading entertainment executives Kevin Mayer and Tom Staggs, and backed by investment capital from funds managed by Blackstone’s flagship private equity business.

For more information, visit www.moonbug.com. 

Media Contact: 

bao.nguyen@moonbug.com