Lionsgate Updates TV Distribution Team to Navigate Industry Changes with New Talent and Some Departures
EXCLUSIVE: Lionsgate is restructuring its television sales operations both in the United States and internationally. This shift aims to align its transactional business with its global licensing group while establishing a new unit focused on self-distribution.
The new self-distribution unit will engage with FAST channels and platforms such as YouTube. Jim Packer, President of Lionsgate’s Worldwide Television Distribution Group, explained the change as a response to a “rapidly shifting” distribution landscape. He emphasized the need for a framework that supports a “truly global, content-first strategy while maintaining regional expertise.”
This reorganization will introduce new “verticals,” with some employees being added and a few layoffs. Reports indicate that fewer than 10 positions will be eliminated in the U.S., Canada, and the UK, while the overall headcount remains stable due to new hires.
Chase Brisbin, the new Executive Vice President of Lionsgate Global Channels, will lead the self-distribution vertical alongside Adam Frank, EVP Global Partner Management, Sales and Distribution, who will integrate the transactional team into the distribution group. Brad Haugen, EVP Digital Strategy & Growth, will oversee digital initiatives, including plans for YouTube, in collaboration with 3 Arts. Additionally, a global content strategy and planning team will be managed by EVP Jen Caprow.
Meanwhile, Kate Nexon, President of Domestic Television and Digital Distribution, and Agapy Kapouranis, President of International Television and Digital Distribution, will continue to head their respective sales divisions. Kapouranis will also supervise acquisitions and co-productions. Justin Manfredi, EVP of Worldwide TV Marketing, will now oversee the transactional marketing team, while Kate Hurl, EVP of Distribution Strategy and Operations, will lead library acquisitions and partnerships.
Packer expressed that the senior leadership team has spent several months evaluating the organizational structure. He noted that enhancing capabilities is essential for future growth and that recent successes in capturing market opportunities have prompted this structural evolution. “Together, these changes support a more agile, coordinated, and future-ready distribution organization,” he stated in an internal memo.
From left: Adam Frank, Jennifer Caprow, Brad Haugen & Chase Brisbin (Lionsgate)
Justin Manfredi & Kate Hurl (Lionsgate)
