Lilla Hurst to exit Blue Ant Studios as company enters new growth phase

Blue Ant Studios’ Global Head of Acquisitions and Content Strategy, Lilla Hurst, will step down from her position at the end of 2025, closing a significant chapter in the company’s recent international expansion. The announcement comes at a pivotal time for Blue Ant, which is undergoing major corporate transformation following its reverse takeover of Boat Rocker Media and the subsequent acquisition of Boat Rocker Studios.

Hurst joined Blue Ant in 2022 when the company acquired Drive Media Rights, the UK-based distribution and co-production agency she co-founded with Ben Barrett in 2013. Following the acquisition, Hurst was appointed to lead global acquisitions and content strategy, while Barrett remained as Global Head of Content Financing and Partnerships. Drive had built a strong industry presence over nearly a decade prior to being absorbed by Blue Ant.

Hurst is currently in Cannes attending Mipcom and helping oversee a transitional period. In a statement shared with C21Media, she said: “I’ve loved working at Blue Ant and am departing in what is going to be a very exciting era for the company as it goes public and looks to consolidate its position in the TV universe even further. I’ll also be leaving behind my wonderful team in Toronto, who I have no doubt will continue to do great work and are in a great place to support my replacement when they arrive.”

Her departure coincides with Blue Ant’s evolving corporate strategy, marked by its recently announced reverse takeover of Boat Rocker Media and the full buy-out of Boat Rocker Studios. These moves are designed to position Blue Ant more competitively in the global content landscape and support its ambitions to go public.

Over her three-year tenure, Hurst has played a key role in shaping Blue Ant’s content acquisition and co-production pipeline, aligning international partnerships with the studio’s growth plans. The company has yet to name her successor but emphasized its commitment to maintaining momentum in acquisitions and strategy during this transition.

As Hurst prepares for a sabbatical year in 2026, Blue Ant moves forward with a reshaped leadership team and strengthened portfolio, reflecting its broader push for global market share and a more diversified business model.