Starz hires Disney exec for M&A, content acquisitions

Starz has hired a Disney veteran to oversee the US pay-TV and streamer’s strategy across areas including M&A and content acquisitions.

Jim Kapenstein will become chief legal and strategy officer at the Outlander: Blood of my Blood and Fightland company from July, reporting into president and chief exec Jeffrey Hirsch. 

His remit includes developing and leading strategy across business and legal affairs, including M&A, channel distribution, content acquisition and production.

Starz, which split from Lionsgate last year, is in the midst of a push to own much of its programming and wants to retain all rights to at least half of its slate of premium originals by 2027.

The first series to emerge was British boxing drama Fightland starring Curtis ‘50 Cent’ Jackson, which was greenlit last year and has since been shot in London. UK-based Sky subsequently boarded the show as a co-commissioner alongside Starz. It has also greenlit a family drama set in the world of Black rodeo.

Kapenstein is departing Disney after an almost three decade-long tenure, during which he worked across deals including the acquisition of 21st Century Fox, Hulu and Lucas Films. He was most recently deputy general counsel at the Mouse House.

His arrival at Starz follows the exits of former general counsel Audrey Lee and ex-chief strategy officer John Penney.

Hirsch said: “Few executives bring the breadth of experience Jim does with his involvement in some of the largest transactions in media history. His insight into guiding organizations through periods of transformation will be invaluable to us as we enter into our next phase of growth.”