Stampede Ventures hires UTA’s Jim Meenaghan as COO

Jim Meenaghan

Former UTA partner Jim Meenaghan is to join US-based prodco Stampede Ventures in the newly created role of COO.

Meenaghan, who was co-head of indie film and head of business affairs at UTA, will oversee the studios’ day-to-day operations and lead efforts to expand the studio’s strategic relationships across film and TV, including its recently announced $350m partnership with Film AlUla studios.

He will also work closely with the company’s joint venture partners in Hidden Pigeon Company and Happy Nest.

Meenaghan spent over 15 years at UTA and oversaw day-to-day business affairs operations, as well as being involved in sourcing and negotiating the packaging, financing, and distribution deals for many of UTA’s shows.

Prior to UTA, he was a senior executive at the Anschutz Film Group/Walden Media, Icon Productions and Walt Disney Pictures.

Meenaghan reports into Stampede CEO and founder Greg Silverman, who said: “Stampede is having considerable growth and continues to develop important studio infrastructure.

“As a well-respected industry veteran, Jim’s invaluable expertise will help the company navigate this next phase. We look forward to his leadership and insights to continue to bolster Stampede Ventures.”

Meenaghan added: “Stampede Ventures is the perfect opportunity for me, the timing could not be better. I’m very excited to join such an ambitious company committed to making great, commercial content with a remarkable executive team and culture already in place.”

Stampede was founded by Silverman, Gideon Yu (co-chairman) and Jaeson Ma, and has around 80 projects in development or set up with producing partners at companies including Warner Bros., Netflix, Apple and Fox.

Recent releases include Lionsgate’s Ordinary Angels and documentary The Saint of Second Chances.