eOne denies Gordon exit

Transatlantic producer-distributor Entertainment One (eOne) has denied that president Mark Gordon is set to leave the firm.

Mark Gordon

Reports emerged yesterday that Gordon would be leaving the Peppa Pig company, where he is also chief content officer for film, TV and digital.

eOne issued the following statement to the London Stock Exchange this morning: “In response to recent press speculation, Entertainment One can confirm that Mark Gordon continues to be a part of the eOne team both now and into the future.”

Shares subsequently leapt 14% in early hours trading today, having dived by 17% on yesterday’s reports.

Gordon became the boss of eOne’s film and TV division just under a year-and-a-half ago, in return for eOne gaining full control of his eponymous LA-based studio in a US$209m deal, on a five-year agreement.

The film and TV producer was tasked with driving both film and TV content strategy and enhancing eOne’s ability to attract creative talent and partners.

According to Variety, which first suggested Gordon’s future as president of eOne was in doubt, his role could shift to become more creative-focused. Today’s statement from eOne does not rule out this possibility.

Meanwhile, Peter Micelli, the former CAA agent who joined eOne as chief strategy officer for film, TV and digital last year, has been touted as taking over Gordon’s management duties.

Prior to taking up the newly created position at eOne, Micelli was co-head of TV at CAA and represented Gordon’s company before its acquisition by eOne.

This followed Gordon and eOne getting numerous shows on air, including Criminal Minds, Ray Donavan and Designated Survivor, and eOne buying an initial 51% equity stake in his firm in January 2015.