Former Warner Bros. executive Jay Levine will lead Kevin Hart’s entertainment company as its new chief executive officer.
Levine takes over the position at Hartbeat from Hart, who had been serving as interim CEO since Thai Randolph stepped down in November 2023. Levine comes to the position after leading strategy and operations for the WarnerMedia Studios and Networks Group. He departed Warner Bros. after the merger with Discovery.
During his tenure at Warner Bros, Levine oversaw the corporate business development and strategy group in charge of M&A, strategic investments and divestitures; as well as WB digital partnerships with talent including LeBron James/Maverick Carter and Ellen DeGeneres and managed WB’s ownership interest in The CW Network.
“With Jay’s extensive background, leadership and relationships, we will continue to build on our successes and bring value to our partners and consumers across all of our businesses,” Hart said. “With Jay at the helm, working closely with our seasoned leadership team, we’re going to keep setting the standard!”
“Kevin is a one-of-a-kind trailblazer in this industry. I am honored to partner with him to further scale and build Hartbeat’s businesses,” Levine said. “I look forward to working with the team, along with all of Hartbeat’s incredible partners and brands, as we set out to take the company to the next level.”
Hartbeat was created in 2022 when Hart merged his existing entertainment companies Hartbeat Productions and Laugh Out Loud. The company now consists of three divisions: Hartbeat Studios, which finances, develops and produces IP; Hartbeat Media, which distributes content through channels including the LOL! Network; and PULSE, a brand-funded entertainment studio and marketing consultancy.
The company released 23 projects across TV, film, digital and audio last year and opened a new headquarters in Los Angeles.