- Netflix has recruited Clete Willems to manage policy strategy and lead its international policy teams as chief global affairs officer. Specializing in lobbying, public policy and international trade policy, Willems has notably served under both the Donald Trump and Barack Obama administrations as an economics/trade official. Based in Washington, he will report to the streamer’s co-CEO Ted Sarandos.
- Toronto’s Guru Studio has hired Steven Sherman (pictured) as its new VP of finance. Reporting to president and executive creative director Frank Falcone, Sherman will focus on financial planning/strategy, cost reporting and budgeting. Sherman is well-versed in the kids industry, having served in the same role at companies including Sinking Ship Entertainment (2016 to 2025) and WildBrain (2003 to 2013).
- Former Nine Entertainment chief Mike Sneesby has joined Saudi Arabia’s MBC Group as CEO. His portfolio at the Middle Eastern broadcaster includes streamer Shahid and linear kids channel MBC3, which have aired children’s programming from the likes of Pinkfong, Cyber Group and WildBrain. Sneesby replaces Sam Barnett—who is leaving to become CEO of Central European Media Enterprises (CME) next month.
- With a newly launched London-based studio under its umbrella, Montreal-based VFX firm FOLKS has tapped Christian Roberton to head up its UK division. Robertson, whose credits include 2016 live-action pic The Jungle Book, will serve as EVP of features for the company. Some recent kids projects that have had FX work done at FOLKS include The Naughty Nine (Disney) and Spy Kids: Armageddon (Netflix), both of which were released in 2023.
People Moves – April 9, 2025
Guru brings an experienced kids industry finance exec on board, and Netflix has hired a trade attorney veteran to oversee global policy strategy in tariff times.
April 9, 2025
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