Sony Pictures Entertainment Taps Jay Levine, Former CEO of Kevin Hart’s Hartbeat and Warner Bros. Alum, as Head of Strategy and Business Operations

Sony Pictures Entertainment has appointed Jay Levine, who was the CEO of Kevin Hart’s Hartbeat Media Company, as Executive Vice President, Chief Strategy Officer, and Head of Business Operations.

Under Levine’s leadership, they report directly to Ravi Ahuja, the president and CEO of SPE. In this position, Levine will spearhead strategic growth efforts while managing corporate development, investments, mergers and acquisitions. Additionally, they will have direct oversight of various Sony Pictures Entertainment businesses and departments.

In early 2024, Levine took on the role of CEO at Hartbeat, where he managed all operations of this private-equity funded multi-platform entertainment business, encompassing everything from concept creation to advertising, broadcast, and distribution of its content and brand experiences. During his tenure, Hartbeat released “The Greatest Roast of All Time: Tom Brady” on Netflix and “Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist” on Peacock, both receiving Emmy nominations. Moreover, Levine negotiated or renegotiated significant partnership agreements with companies like Netflix, NBCUniversal, Sirius XM, P&G, and Draft Kings.

Before moving to Hartbeat, Levine had a career spanning more than ten years at Warner Bros. and later WarnerMedia, where he held several top-tier executive positions. His most recent role was overseeing business operations and strategy for the WarnerMedia Studios and Networks Group, which encompassed divisions such as WB Pictures Group, HBO programming, WB Television Group, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, WB Animation, TBS, TNT, DC, Consumer Products, Global Brands & Experiences, and various traditional and digital content businesses.

Or:

Levine’s professional journey before Hartbeat was a 10-year stint at Warner Bros., followed by WarnerMedia, where he held high-level positions in leadership. Most recently, he managed the business operations and strategic planning for the WarnerMedia Studios and Networks Group, which covered entities like WB Pictures Group, HBO programming, WB Television Group, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, WB Animation, TBS, TNT, DC, Consumer Products, Global Brands & Experiences, and several traditional and digital content businesses.

Prior to his tenure with Warner Bros., which began in 2009, Levine was employed by Disney. There, he served within their strategic corporate division and business development sector, as well as at ESPN.

Ahuja expressed his excitement to announce the joining of Jay at Sony Pictures, stating that he brings not only extensive knowledge, a solid reputation, but also a cooperative attitude and strong connections that will aid our company’s progress. The wisdom and guidance of Jay will be indispensable as we move forward with growth and innovation.

Levine expressed his excitement about working closely with Ravi and the whole leadership group, aiming to seize chances for growth and development within the company as the media environment changes.

Read More

2025-04-07 20:17