Former Warner Bros. exec Jay Levine has joined Kevin Hart‘s Hartbeat as its new chief executive officer. Levine replaces ex-CEO Thai Randolph, who exited the company in November after nearly seven years at the helm.
In his new role, Levine will oversee all aspects of the company’s activities including development, production, marketing, distribution and other exploitation of its IP and experiences. His hire comes amid a strong period of growth for Hartbeat. Last year, the company released 23 projects across TV, film, digital and audio, nearly doubled its staff, and opened its new Los Angeles headquarters.
“With Jay’s extensive background, leadership and relationships, we will continue to build on our successes and bring value to our partners and consumers across all of our businesses,” said Hart. “With Jay at the helm, working closely with our seasoned leadership team, we’re going to keep setting the standard!”
Levine spent over a decade at Warner Bros. and Warner Media before he departed after the Discovery merger. Most recently, he led strategy and operations for the WarnerMedia Studios and Networks Group, which included WB Pictures Group, HBO, and HBO Max Programming, WB Television Group, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, WB Animation, TBS, TNT, DC, Consumer Products, Global Brands & Experiences, and other traditional and digital content businesses.
“Kevin is a one-of-a-kind trailblazer in this industry. I am honored to partner with him to further scale and build Hartbeat’s businesses,” said Levine. “I look forward to working with the team, along with all of Hartbeat’s incredible partners and brands, as we set out to take the company to the next level.”
Randolph, who has been with Hartbeat for nearly seven years, will remain a strategic adviser to Hart, who as chairman of the L.A. based company.
“It’s been a great honor to help shape Hartbeat into the powerhouse entertainment platform it has become,” Randolph said in a statement. “I couldn’t be prouder of the meteoric growth and incredible impact we’ve driven over the years. My passions are telling stories and building businesses, and for the past seven years, I’ve been able to do just that alongside some of the best partners, colleagues, and creators in the industry.”
By DEADLINE
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