Argonon hires new Chief Operating Officer, Steven McGovern

Argonon has confirmed Steven McGovern to be its new Chief Operating Officer for its US business with a remit across Leopard USA, Rose Rock Entertainment and future US operations including acquisitions. The former Jupiter EVP will join in April. “Steve is a talented and dynamic executive who will bring extensive expertise, experience and leadership to the group in our rapidly growing operations in three locations across the US," Argonon CEO James Burstall said.

As part of the group’s strategic shift to the West Coast and upscaled focus on streamers, networks and platforms, the role will be based in Los Angeles. Shirley Escott, currently Leopard USA’s COO, will depart to London to pursue other projects after a five-year tenure. McGovern will report to Argonon CEO James Burstall and Laura Bessell, Argonon’s Global Chief Operating Officer.“I’m very proud of Leopard USA’s achievements over the last five years and I wish Steven and the entire team at Leopard USA and Rose Rock every success for the future as I look forward to my next adventures," Escott said. 

Under his new role, McGovern work in collaboration with Leopard USA’s Chief Creative Officer Lindsay Schwartz, also based in Los Angeles, as well as new joint venture Rose Rock Entertainment, helmed by Managing Director Joe Weinstock, based in Oklahoma and Los Angeles. “I have long admired Argonon’s global production slate and its ability to bring to together exceptional creative and commercial talent from around the world," McGovern said. "I’m thrilled to join the group and excited to continue the next phase of growth with the talented teams at Leopard USA and Rose Rock Entertainment.”

McGovern has more than two decades industry experience producing content and managing productions in the UK and US. Previously, he served as Executive Vice President of Production & Operations at Jupiter Entertainment where he oversaw 220 hours of programming annually for a variety of networks and platforms, including hit true crime series "Snapped" (Oxygen) and "In Pursuit with John Walsh" (ID) as well as premium documentaries including "Who Killed Robert Wone?" (Peacock) and "Broken Harts" (Discovery+). "With the recent renewal of House Hunters International, the success of social media commission La’Ron in a Million and several exciting non-scripted projects in development with US networks and streamers for Leopard USA and Rose Rock Entertainment, this appointment underscores our appetite and ambition to expand our breadth of content, platforms and partners through our West Coast HQ, a major strategic focus for the group," Burstall said. "I wish to thank our wonderful former Leopard USA COO Shirley Escott, who has been the heartbeat of our New York operations for many years, for her huge contribution to the group and wish her well with her re-location and pursuit of other projects.”