Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Starz hires Disney exec Kapenstein to boost original ownership

6/2/2026

50 11 Full Breakdown

Summary

Starz hires Kapenstein

Starz hired Jim Kapenstein, a Disney veteran, as chief legal and strategy officer, effective July.
He will report to Starz president and CEO Jeffrey Hirsch.
Kapenstein’s remit includes M&A, channel distribution, and content acquisition and production strategy.
Starz, split from Lionsgate in 2025, aims to own at least half of its premium originals by 2027, starting with the 2025-greenlit boxing drama Fightland co-commissioned by Sky.

Summary

Allen Threatens Takeover

Byron Allen bought a 10.7% stake in Starz for $25 million in a deal with former Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin.
Starz adopted a poison-pill that triggers at 17.5% ownership and expires March 10, 2027, with possible extension to 2029 or early termination.
Allen warned he will buy all shares, take Starz private and relist it if the board blocks his investment, adding he was denied the board seat formerly held by Harry Sloan.

1 of 2

Starz hires Kapenstein

Starz hired Jim Kapenstein, a Disney veteran, as chief legal and strategy officer, effective July.
He will report to Starz president and CEO Jeffrey Hirsch.
Kapenstein’s remit includes M&A, channel distribution, and content acquisition and production strategy.
Starz, split from Lionsgate in 2025, aims to own at least half of its premium originals by 2027, starting with the 2025-greenlit boxing drama Fightland co-commissioned by Sky.

1 / 2