Starz CEO Jeff Hirsch Earned $6.7 Million in 2025 as Lionsgate Split Approaches
Starz chief executive Jeff Hirsch is set to receive a compensation package totaling $6.75 million for the year 2025. This marks a significant transitional period for the company as it transitions from Lionsgate Studios.
Hirsch’s package includes a base salary of $1.16 million, $2.53 million in stock awards, and $2.95 million from performance incentives, according to a proxy statement filed with the SEC. Due to the recent separation from Lionsgate, no comparable figures are available from the previous year.
In addition, Starz has announced its inaugural annual shareholder meeting as a standalone public entity, scheduled for May 7.
The board of directors, which formalized a new three-year employment agreement with Hirsch extending through the end of 2028, highlighted his leadership during the separation. They recognized his success in meeting financial targets and advancing the company’s growth strategy, which includes rebuilding its content library. This effort has led to the greenlighting and production of the new original series Fightland, as well as securing co-commission partners and enhancing the content cost structure.
In March, Starz reported laying off approximately 7% of its workforce, a decision made in the wake of the company’s separation from Lionsgate.
The proxy statement also provides details on the compensation for Starz’s top five highest-paid executives. Alongside Hirsch, the team includes Alison Hoffman, President of Starz Network; CFO Scott MacDonald; General Counsel Audrey Lee; and EVP of Technology Jason Wyric.
For the year 2025, the compensation report additionally listed Jon Feltheimer and Jimmy Barge, the chief executive and chief financial officer of the former Lionsgate, who received prorated compensation during the time leading up to the split, amounting to $224,000 and $129,000 respectively.
The proxy also disclosed a one-time stock option grant valued at $3 million for Michael Burns, along with an annual award of performance-based restricted stock units worth $500,000 for the non-executive board chair.
