Disney’s Maker Names New Leader

Courtney Holt has been named as the head of Maker Studios, the multi-channel YouTube network owned by Walt Disney Co., it was announced Tuesday. Holt had previously been chief strategy officer of the Culver City media company and replaces Maker President Ynon Kreiz who will leave effective Jan. 11. Holt will report to Jimmy Pitaro, co-chair of Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media. “We are pleased that Courtney Holt has agreed to take on an expanded role leading Maker Studios as we continue to explore new ways to leverage Maker’s unique capabilities across Walt Disney Company,” Pitaro said in a prepared statement. Disney acquired Maker in April 2014 in a deal valued at more than $500 million in cash and up to $450 million in earn-out payments. Prior to joining Maker, Holt served as president of Myspace Music, executive vice president of digital media and music for the MTV Networks Music & Logo Group, and in positions at Interscope Geffen A&M and Atlantic Records. Shares of Disney closed up $2.81, or 2.6 percent, to $112.16 on the New York Stock Exchange.