Anouska Spiers takes COO and general counsel roles at John Gore Studios

Anouska Spiers to oversee operations at John Gore Studios in newly expanded role of COO and general counsel

Anouska Spiers

Jonathan Birch

Hammer Films executive Anouska Spiers has been named chief operating officer (COO) and general counsel at John Gore Studios (JGS), the TV venture from media entrepreneur and theatre producer John Gore.

The newly expanded senior leadership role will see her oversee the studio’s operations alongside its business and legal affairs.

Spiers’ remit includes supporting the continued expansion of the company’s integrated studio model, spanning IP and catalogue acquisition, film and TV development, production, restoration and global distribution.

In addition, she will continue to lead strategic growth and commercial vision for Hammer Films, one of JGS’s flagship labels, having held the role of COO and general counsel there since last June.

Spiers’ career has seen her work with entertainment brands including JK Rowling’s Wizarding World, where she was part of the team behind the launch of interactive website Pottermore, and Matthew Vaughn’s Kingsman franchise. She has also worked with heritage brands and literary estates through her role at International Literary Properties and her ongoing collaboration with the estate of Ray Bradbury.

Spiers will join CEO Hilary Strong’s executive leadership team, which includes Francis Hopkinson, creative director, and Jonathan Lack, chief acquisitions officer.

Media entrepreneur Gore launched JGS with bases in London and New York at the start of 2025. As well as horror-skewing Hammer Films, it includes labels such as TV and film prodco Hilltop Screen and distributor KFilm.

Gore, executive chair of JGS, said: “Anouska is an outstanding strategic leader, combining sharp commercial instinct with deep legal expertise and a sophisticated understanding of IP-led storytelling.

“Her experience stewarding some of the world’s most important entertainment franchises will be invaluable as we scale the studio globally and continue to build a fully integrated model focused on long-term creative and commercial value. Anouska’s experience across premium franchises, heritage IP and complex international operations will play an important role in expanding John Gore Studios.”