Moonbug appoints Courtney Holt as Global Head of Music and Strategic Audio Initiatives

LONDON, UK - 15 February 2024 - Moonbug Entertainment, a part of Candle Media, has announced the appointment of Courtney Holt as the company’s first Global Head of Music and Strategic Audio Initiatives. As part of his role, Holt will foster the growth of Moonbug’s music label through strategic partner alliances and strengthening relationships with established and emerging artists. Holt will also 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 joins the team following its recent growth and success, as Moonbug looks to establish a globally renowned music brand within the children's entertainment space. He will be instrumental in ensuring that the business continues to provide music and entertainment that resonates with and inspires families all over the world.

Holt brings with him a wealth of experience and expertise to his new role at Moonbug. His career, cultivating growth and driving engagement within the music industry, spans over three decades including leadership roles at Spotify, The Walt Disney Company and Viacom. Holt also worked at Universal Music Group where he was involved in the early digital music evolution for the company. During his time at Spotify, he was a key architect in building and growing their global podcast business, including driving key partnerships with creators on the platform. 

Rene Rechtman, Co-founder and CEO, Moonbug Entertainment said of the appointment: “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.”

Holt said: “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 is based out of Moonbug’s Los Angeles office and plans to grow and expand the local Los Angeles music and audio team. 

For more information on Moonbug, please visit www.moonbug.com.

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.