Spotify And Big Media Vet Courtney Holt Joins Candle Media’s Moonbug Entertainment In Top Music And Audio Role

Moonbug Entertainment, the CoComelon producer owned by Candle Media, has appointed Courtney Holt as the company’s first Global Head of Music and Strategic Audio Initiatives.

Holt will oversee Moonbug’s music label via alliances with partners and strengthened ties with established and emerging artists. He 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.

In his most recent career chapter, Holt was a senior exec at Spotify but left the company in 2022 as it was beginning a pullback from podcasting and implementing staff and cost reductions.

Moonbug was acquired by Candle, which is led by former Disney execs Kevin Mayer and Tom Staggs and backed by private equity giant Blackstone, for $3 billion in 2021. The UK-based company is aiming to establish a globally music brand in the children’s entertainment sector. Holt, who also has worked at Universal Music, Viacom and Disney, brings a significant amount of experience to his new role.

At Universal Music Group, Holt was involved in the early digital music evolution for the company. In a four-plus-year run at Spotify, he was a key exec involved in building out its podcast business and cementing relationships with creators.

“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,” Moonbug Co-Founder and CEO Rene Rechtman said. “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 is based in Moonbug’s Los Angeles office and plans to grow and expand the local L.A. 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. “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.”