Starz hires pair for digital team

Lionsgate-owned Starz has added two execs to its international digital networks team, including the former director of content acquisition at Netflix.

Darren Nielson

Darren Nielson has been appointed senior VP of distribution and business development, while Jeff Cooke has been named president of programming. Both join the international digital networks team led by executive VP Superna Kalle.

Based in the company’s Santa Monica office, Nielson will lead the distribution and business development for the Starz-branded digital and linear services and channels.

Prior to joining Starz, he was director of content acquisition at Netflix, where he was instrumental in launching and building the streamer across Europe and Asia, managing global licensing relationships with major studios and local partners across both film and TV series.

Nielson also previously held business development positions at Sony Pictures Television and Ascent Media.

Jeff Cooke

Cooke, meanwhile, will oversee programming for the international expansion of the Starz direct-to-consumer subscription service into new global markets.

Also based in Santa Monica, he will curate content that defines the Starz brand in each region and capitalise on global trends and strategies. Cooke will continue to work with London-based Brett Marottoli, head of programme acquisitions, to identify and acquire additional content for the StarzPlay platform, which launched in Europe in May.

Cooke was most recently VP of global digital at Starz parent Lionsgate. Prior to that, he held positions at Miramax and MGM.

Kalle said: “Darren and Jeff bring a wealth of global acumen and skill to this international team at a time of significant growth for our company and our brand. I look forward to exploring new opportunities around the world for our content across digital and linear platforms with them on board.”