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Argonon, super-indie production group behind shows including “The Masked Singer U.K.,” has unveiled its biggest leadership changes since it was founded in 2011.
Amanda Goddard, previously chief commercial and legal officer
for Argonon, has been promoted to president and global CEO with a worldwide strategic remit across Argonon and its seven production companies. Goddard takes over from Argonon founder James Burstall, who has held the role of CEO for 15 years since launching the group and now becomes executive chairman across the group.
Meanwhile, Matt Widmayer, formerly CFO for Argonon USA takes on a new role as global CFO for Argonon, splitting his time between the U.K. and U.S., and Hasham Khan of ABP Advisory becomes board consultant.
“Our sector is changing at breakneck pace; a restless state of constant evolution is the single most important mindset in a creative business,” said Burstall. “As platform agnostic storytellers whose content reaches millions of people across the world, we must be fearless, experimental, risk-taking and open to radical change to keep us at the cutting edge. Today’s announcement of a brand-new world class leadership team lays the foundations for an exciting future.”
The senior leadership team changes coincide with several new strategic initiatives across Argonon. The group is actively investing in digital and self-publishing content to build new IP and reach new audiences, exploring partnerships across the nations and regions, investing in its New York hubs, developing new high tech post facilities to support its London labels, and accelerating its AI capabilities. The group is also developing new innovative funding models to support IP creation and investment in content.
Alongside leading the group’s global legal operation, Goddard has helped drive the group’s diversification strategy, using Argonon’s extensive IP library of over 5,800 hours of content to create and grow commercial revenues across brand partnerships, sponsorship, FAST, digital and podcasts. She has also has introduced new content funding and co-funding strategies, call for a more supportive U.K. tax environment for producers and overseen and developed Argonon’s AI strategy and policies.
“After 15 years leading Argonon’s operations across the UK and US, I am excited to hand over the CEO reins to Amanda, who has demonstrated astute commercial acumen, strong leadership and emotional intelligence since joining Argonon in 2019,” said Burstall. “Her reputation, industry knowledge and strategic vision make her the natural choice to lead Argonon into its next chapter, and I will continue to work closely with her as executive chairman.”
Added Goddard: “I am proud and excited to step into this new role, working with visionary leaders and talented teams across our global business. Argonon was founded to create an independent platform for talent to be agile and brave, both creatively and commercially, and that enduring spirit is embedded in our culture today. Our world class production companies produce diverse, platform-agnostic content that reaches audiences across the UK and in more than 160 countries, creating employment, economic value and social impact.”
