Today, we’re unveiling the biggest leadership change since Argonon was founded in 2011 as we confirm a newly appointed President and Global CEO, Global CFO and Executive Chairman, forming Argonon’s new senior worldwide executive team.
As we continue to expand our focus on creating and commercialising IP across all platforms, Amanda Goddard, previously our Chief Commercial and Legal Officer, takes on a new leadership role as President and Global CEO with a worldwide strategic remit across Argonon and its seven production companies.
Our founder, James Burstall, who has been CEO since launching the group in 2011, becomes Executive Chairman across the group with a global focus on growing the group’s profile and footprint. Matt Widmayer, formerly CFO for Argonon USA takes on a new role as Global CFO for Argonon splitting his time between the UK and US. Hasham Khan of ABP Advisory becomes Board Consultant.
James Burstall, Executive Chairman, Argonon, said: “Our sector is changing at breakneck pace; a restless state of constant evolution is the single most important mindset in a creative business. 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.”
Amanda’s appointment builds on her achievements overseeing Argonon’s legal and business affairs team, most recently in an expanded role as Chief Commercial and Legal Officer. Alongside leading the group’s global legal operation, she 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. Amanda has pioneered and introduced new content funding and co-funding strategies, and her extensive knowledge of the global broadcaster ecosystem, copyright law and regulatory framework has seen her call for a more supportive UK tax environment for producers, She also overseen and developed Argonon’s AI strategy and policies.
James’ new global role follows his 15-year tenure as CEO since founding the group in 2011, creating a diverse, multi-genre and internationally renowned operation of seven UK and US based labels producing critically acclaimed content for broadcasters, streamers, digital and social platforms, brands and podcasts worldwide. The group has won nearly 200 awards including Emmys, BAFTAs and RTS Awards. James will continue to be highly active across the group day to day in his new worldwide remit.
James Burstall, Executive Chairman and founder, Argonon commented: “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. 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.”
Argonon’s President and Global CEO Amanda Goddard said: “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. As we enter our next chapter amid seismic structural change, our entrepreneurial independence, adaptability and creativity will enable us to move quickly, deepen our partnerships and create content that connects and inspires audiences worldwide.”
Also announced today, Matt Widmayer, formerly CFO of Argonon USA, becomes Global CFO with responsibility across Argonon’s operations, based in both the UK and US. Matt’s previous remit spanned Argonon’s US headquarters including Los Angeles, New York and Oklahoma, and both American production companies Leopard USA and Rose Rock Entertainment. Matt will report into Amanda.
James Burstall added: “Matt has been instrumental to the growth of our American business, offering intelligence, strategic insight and a calm, measured perspective to our financial operations. We are delighted to expand Matt’s remit to cover the group’s global footprint, and I am confident he will add enormous value to the group and our seven world class labels.”
Hasham Khan, CEO and founder of ABP Advisory, joins as Board Consultant, advising James and Amanda, to support Argonon’s corporate strategy.
James Burstall added: “Hasham is an experienced and talented partner whose insights, extensive market knowledge and brilliant strategic input will be hugely valuable to the group.”