Former Spotify and Disney executive Courtney Holt will join children’s media company Moonbug Entertainment as its first global head of music and strategic audio initiatives.
The British company, which is part of Candle Media, creates and distributes popular children’s media, including the YouTube channel for Cocomelon and the series Blippi. Holt will help build Moonbug’s music label through strategic partnerships and relationships with artists and oversee the international expansion of the audio division.
He joins Moonbug Entertainment after working as Spotify‘s head of talk partnerships, editorial and global markets, from 2017 through 2022, where he helped to build up the podcast division through partnerships with high-profile talent. Before Spotify, Holt was an executive at Maker Studios, which worked with YouTube Talent, and was acquired by Disney in 2014. After its acquisition, Holt moved to a strategy role and reported to Kevin Mayer, co-founder and co-chair of Candle Media.
He spent his early career working in the music industry, including positions at MySpace Music, MTV Networks Music and at Interscope Geffen A&M records and Universal Music Group.
“We are thrilled to welcome Courtney to the Moonbug team. 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. 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,” said Rene Rechtman, co-founder and CEO, Moonbug Entertainment.
“I look forward to collaborating with our talented team to explore new opportunities, forge strategic partnerships, and push the boundaries of what is possible. 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,” Holt said.
Holt will be based out of Moonbug’s Los Angeles office and plans to expand the local Los Angeles music and audio team.