Kevin Hart’s Hartbeat Names Former Warner Bros. Exec Jay Levine As CEO

Former Warner Bros. exec Jay Levine has joined Kevin Hart‘s Hartbeat as its new chief executive officer. Levine replaces ex-CEO Thai Randolph, who exited the company in November after nearly seven years at the helm.

In his new role, Levine will oversee all aspects of the company’s activities including development, production, marketing, distribution and other exploitation of its IP and experiences.

His hire comes amid a strong period of growth for Hartbeat. Last year, the company released 23 projects across TV, film, digital and audio, nearly doubled its staff, and opened its new Los Angeles headquarters. 

Levine spent over a decade at Warner Bros. and Warner Media before he departed after the Discovery merger. Most recently, he led strategy and operations for the WarnerMedia Studios and Networks Group, which included WB Pictures Group, HBO, and HBO Max Programming, WB Television Group, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, WB Animation, TBS, TNT, DC, Consumer Products, Global Brands & Experiences, and other traditional and digital content businesses.

During his tenure at WB, Levine worked closely with all main creative divisions across development, production, finance, business affairs, marketing, and distribution; he oversaw the Corporate Business Development and Strategy Group that led all M&A, strategic investments and divestitures; he was responsible for overseeing new WB digital partnerships with key talent (including LeBron James/Maverick Carter and Ellen DeGeneres); he built new formats of storytelling and next-generation content businesses leveraging WB brands and IP; he managed WB’s ownership interest in The CW Network; and, he led the Worldwide Studio Operations Group that operates all production and post-production facilities in Burbank and Leavesden and the Company’s owned and operated tours and retail experiences worldwide.

“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,” said Hart. “With Jay at the helm, working closely with our seasoned leadership team, we’re going to keep setting the standard!”  

In 2022, Hart merged his entertainment entities Hartbeat Productions and Laugh Out Loud to create Hartbeat. The company operates three divisions: Hartbeat Studios, which finances, develops and produces innovative content; Hartbeat Media, which connects with consumers around the world through events and the company’s expansive distribution network; and Pulse, the company’s branded entertainment studio. Its flagship consumer brand, the LOL! Network, reaches audiences across its O&O social media, audio, and OTT partners.

Hartbeat has strategic partnerships with top companies including production deals with Netflix and NBCU’s Peacock – which is also an equity investor in the company – and a longstanding partnership with SiriusXM. 

In January 2024, Hartbeat released the action thriller Lift on Netflix, which went to #1 on the platform worldwide. Upcoming releases include the revival of the Comic View franchise on BET+, the coming of age comedy Prom Dates on Hulu, season 10 of Hart’s viral athlete interview series Cold as Balls with longtime partner Old Spice, new seasons of Hartbeat’s award-winning podcasts Gold Minds and One Song, and more. Hartbeat is also currently in development or production on projects including the drama Fight Night (with Peacock), which stars Hart, Don Cheadle, Taraji P. Henson, Samuel L. Jackson, and Terrence Howard; The Backup with Keke Palmer (with Universal Pictures); and others.

“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,” said Levine. “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.”