Blue Ant Media, an international production studio, rights business and channel operator, announced three key promotions to its senior leadership team. Jamie Schouela has been named Chief Operating Officer, Carlyn Staudt is now President, Global Channels and Streaming, and Mitch Dent has assumed the role of President, Canadian Media. These leadership changes are aimed at supporting the company’s future business development, while also powering growth across the company’s global channels and Canadian operations. All three roles will report directly to Michael MacMillan, CEO, Blue Ant Media. Jamie and Mitch will continue to operate from Toronto, while Carlyn will continue to be based from Washington, D.C.
"These strategic promotions underscore the proven business acumen and operational strength of our senior team at Blue Ant Media, positioning the company for continued growth and enhanced value creation,” said Michael MacMillan, CEO, Blue Ant Media. “Their leadership will be crucial as we build upon our incredible momentum and pave the way for further expansion.”
Jamie Schouela has been named Chief Operating Officer of Blue Ant Media. In this role, he will lead Blue Ant Media’s M&A and business development, driving the company’s strategic growth, while also overseeing some company-wide service groups. In addition, Jamie will collaborate closely with each business unit to support them in achieving their goals and help drive overall success across the organization.
Jamie previously served as President, Global Channels and Media, where he led the strategic direction and operations of the company’s free streaming and pay-TV television networks around the world. In this role, he oversaw content development and acquisitions, scheduling, marketing and communications as well as the relationships with Blue Ant’s channel distribution partners. He also led the company’s Canadian consumer shows, publishing businesses and multi-platform media sales team.
Prior to Blue Ant Media, Jamie served as Vice-President, Marketing for Shaw Media, directing all marketing and communications activity for Global Television and its 19 specialty channels. He began his career at Alliance Atlantis where he helped build a number of networks including Showcase, History Television and BBC Canada.
Carlyn Staudt has been promoted to President, Global Channels and Streaming, Blue Ant Media. In this role, Carlyn will continue to oversee the company’s international channels business, which includes Love Nature, Declassified, HauntTV, Total Crime, Homeful and Love Pets. She will also continue overseeing the growth of Blue Ant Media’s worldwide channel footprint across all platforms including FAST, SVOD, AVOD, YouTube and Pay-TV.
Carlyn’s previous work at Blue Ant Media includes leading the growth of global wildlife and nature brand, Love Nature, where she first served as EVP, Programming and Development, followed by her General Manager role, where she oversaw the strategic direction and operations of the brand globally, which included affiliate sales, content partnerships, digital content, programming, marketing and communications. During this time, Love Nature grew into a free streaming and pay TV offering in over 100 countries and 25 languages, in over 388 million platforms around the world.
In her previous role as Head of Commissioning for Blue Ant Media’s free streaming and pay TV channels in North America and internationally, Carlyn led the commissioning and development of the company’s content slates, collaborating with established and emerging producers as well as international co-production partners. Prior to joining the company, she held leadership positions at National Geographic, including SVP of Global Programming and Managing Director for NGCI in Washington, DC, where she oversaw co-productions, global acquisitions and the expansion of Nat Geo Wild’s international reach and content.
Mitch Dent has been promoted to President, Canadian Media, Blue Ant Media, where he will bring over 30 years of industry experience to the company's Canadian operations, which includes the company’s specialty TV and Canadian free streaming operations, 10 Consumer shows and Blue Ant’s publishing business. He will also continue to oversee advertising revenue across the company’s diverse multi-platform portfolio, including Media Pulse, a fast growing leader in the connected TV and gaming advertising marketplaces.
Before assuming his current role, Mitch served as EVP, Consumer Shows, Media Sales and Publishing at Blue Ant Media for eight years. During this time, he spearheaded significant growth across all business segments including linear TV advertising and led the acquisition of Media Pulse, successfully doubling revenues within two years. Additionally, he managed the company’s Cottage Life publishing division and played a pivotal role in integrating six new Consumer Shows into the company, greatly expanding the company’s portfolio and market presence.
Mitch’s previous work includes leadership roles at Rogers Media, including EVP, Broadcast sales and SVP Publishing Sales, where he centralized sales teams and drove significant growth over 15 years. Prior to this, Mitch served as President of Today’s Parent Group where he played a key role in the brand’s growth and eventual sale to Rogers Media.