Candle Media’s Moonbug Entertainment hired Courtney Holt, a former Spotify and Disney exec, as the kid-content company’s first global head of music and strategic audio initiatives.
In the new role, Holt will oversee Moonbug’s music label and lead strategic partner alliances and deals with “established and emerging artists,” the company said. Holt also will be responsible for the international expansion of the audio division and global music operations, including further developing Moonbug’s music commercial and creative partnerships and exploring emerging audio-based initiatives.
Holt’s career, spanning over three decades, has included leadership roles at Spotify, Disney and Viacom. At Spotify, where he worked from 2017-22, he served as head of studios and video where he helped build the streamer’s global podcast business and drove partnerships with creators. He also worked at Universal Music Group, where he was involved in the company’s early digital music initiatives.
“We often hear from music creators who are looking to interact with our content, and I’m excited about the opportunities that having Courtney on board will create,” Rene Rechtman, Moonbug’s co-founder and CEO, said in announcing Holt’s appointment. “He brings with him a proven track record in delivering strong performance in the music and media industry and his appointment will be instrumental in cementing our position as a leader in the global music landscape.”
Popular on Variety
Holt is based out of Moonbug’s Los Angeles office, and he plans to grow and expand the company’s L.A.-based music and audio team.
“I look forward to collaborating with our talented team to explore new opportunities, forge strategic partnerships and push the boundaries of what is possible,” Holt said in a statement provided by Moonbug. “As a parent, I am inspired by the work Moonbug has been doing to produce great and inspirational content for kids. I am excited to embark on this exciting journey with Moonbug.”
Moonbug is owned by Candle Media, the media rollup play headed by ex-Disney execs Kevin Mayer and Tom Staggs and backed by private-equity firm Blackstone Group. Candle acquired Moonbug in 2021 in a deal worth about $3 billion.
The biggest Moonbug brands are CoComelon and Blippi. The company’s shows are available on more than 150 video platforms globally including Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer and YouTube Kids, while its preschool music and audio programming is available on more than 100 audio platforms. Moonbug’s business also comprises consumer products and live events.
