Laura Kennedy poached from US broadcast giant Lionsgate

Avalon’s comedy and TV empire has a new chief executive officer.

Laura Kennedy, who has spent the last 12 years at America’s Lionsgate Television Group, whose slate has included Mad Men, Orange Is The New Black and Dear White People, will also join the board of directors.

A former agent with Avalon, Kennedy was most recently chief operating officer at the US broadcasting giant, which has an $800million-a-year turnover.

As part of today’s news, Avalon’s founders Jon Thoday and Richard Allen-Turner will become co-executive chairmen of the company.

Avalon’s production credits include Catastrophe, Last Week  Tonight With John Oliver and the mooted Spitting Image reboot, while its agency arm represents a raft of UK comedians including Frank Skinner, Lee Mack, Al Murray, Chris Ramsey, Russell Howard and Jenny Eclair.

Thoday said: ‘Laura’s record at Lionsgate speaks for itself, she is an exceptionally talented executive and we are delighted she has chosen to return to Avalon.  

‘It’s very rare to have the opportunity to bring someone in who understands the company’s DNA and we are all looking forward to the future in this exciting environment for creative talent."

Kennedy added: ‘I am thrilled to be joining the team at Avalon. They have built a phenomenal business, with an impressive talent roster and a high-quality production slate.  

‘I am honoured to be granted the opportunity to work with them, and am excited to lead the next phase of the company’s growth.’

Kennedy joins Avalon today and will be based at the company’s Los Angeles headquarters.

Published: 2 Oct 2019