Russo’s AGBO hires Amazon MGM Studios alum Chris Brearton

LR: Joe Russo, Donald Mustard, Chris Brearton, Anthony Russo, Angela Russo-Otstot (Source: AGBO, Paul Abell)

Former Amazon MGM Studios exec Chris Brearton is joining Anthony and Joe Russo’s production firm AGBO.

The news comes three days after news of Brearton’s exit from MGM emerged and will see the exec becoming a partner at AGBO, which was founded by the Russo’s and Donald Mustard, a former chief creative officer at Fortnite firm Epic Games.

Brearton will oversee all aspects of the company’s business strategy, operations and growth plan, the US firm said.

Anthony Russo said: “Chris is a dynamic and trusted leader in the industry with a proven ability to spearhead transformational strategic initiatives, drive operational excellence and foster a culture of creativity and innovation.

“His expertise and business acumen will be instrumental as we embark on this pivotal phase of accelerated growth across virtual, gaming, and linear media landscapes.”

Brearton was most recently VP of corporate strategy at MGM+ and MGM Alternative TV, a role he took up in November 2022 after Amazon’s acquisition of MGM.

The exec had originally joined MGM as COO in 2018, having worked for the company as a lawyer, and then assisted the takeover into Amazon, reporting into Prime Video’s SVP, Mike Hopkins.

His exit will see Prime Video International chief Kelly Day taking on a slew of new reports, including MGM+ execs Michael Wright and Josh McIvor, and MGM Television’s Lindsey Sloane.