She will be responsible for leading the programming and development team for the global premium streaming platform and delivering on its programming mandate committed to narratives by, about and for women and underrepresented audiences.
Jeffrey Hirsch, President and CEO of STARZ, announced today that well-respected creative executive and producer Kathryn Busby has been named President, Original Programming at STARZ.
She will be responsible for leading the programming and development team for the global premium streaming platform and delivering on its programming mandate committed to narratives by, about and for women and underrepresented audiences.
Busby brings over 25 years of experience developing and producing content across multiple platforms joining STARZ from Sony Pictures Television where she served as Executive Vice President of TriStar Television. Busby also sat on the Sony Pictures Action Council, which implemented the studio’s racial equity and inclusion initiatives. In addition to her experience at Sony Pictures Television, she has also held leadership roles at Turner Broadcasting, New Line Cinema, The Carsey-Werner Company and Universal Television.
“Kathryn is an incredible well-seasoned executive who has a long-running track record of developing series with unique voices,” said Hirsch. “We are excited to welcome her to the STARZ team where I know she’ll be instrumental in furthering the company’s commitment to deliver programming for women and underrepresented audiences.”
Busby said, “I am inspired by STARZ’s dedication and commitment to fearless, unapologetic stories and characters, and I am beyond thrilled to work with the extraordinary team there. The time is now for storytelling that celebrates the full spectrum of humanity, and the place to do it is STARZ. This is an amazing opportunity, and I can’t wait to get started.”
“Kathryn is a talented, respected, creative leader and we have been very fortunate to work with her at Sony Pictures Television. We know this is a wonderful opportunity for her and an exciting next step in her career. We wish her all the best and look forward to continuing to work together in her new role at STARZ,” said Jeff Frost, President, Sony Pictures Television Studios and Jason Clodfelter, Co-President, Sony Pictures Television Studios.
During her tenure at TriStar Television, notable projects she was involved in include The Afterparty, starring Tiffany Haddish and Sam Richardson, from Phil Lord and Chris Miller, a Malcolm X series based on the novels X: A Novel and The Awakening of Malcom X, from his daughter Illyasah Shabazz, and a series based on Kirsten Chen’s upcoming novel, Counterfeit.
Busby previously served as Senior Vice President of Development at Sony Pictures Networks where she developed and produced numerous projects including the critically acclaimed drama series, Absentia.
Prior to joining Sony Pictures Television, Busby served as Vice President, Original Programming for TBS, where she shepherded original content. There, she partnered with Franklin Leonard, creator of The Blacklist, to create a joint initiative to identify diverse new writing talent for blind script deals and staffing consideration.
Busby was Senior Vice President of Production at New Line Cinema, where she was an Executive Producer of the film Sex and the City. Prior to that, she was Senior Vice President/Head of Development at The Carsey-Werner Company, where she oversaw the development of Grounded for Life and The Tracy Morgan Show. She also worked on 3rd Rock from The Sun and That 70’s Show. She began her television career as Director of Comedy Development at Universal Television.
In addition to decades of television experience, Busby is also an award-winning screenwriter, director, and producer. She directed the short film Max and Josh, which premiered at The Sundance Film Festival. Her debut film, My Purple Fur Coat, won Best Children’s Short at the Houston Black Film Festival.
Busby is a graduate of Harvard University where she got her Bachelor of Arts in Visual and Environmental Studies. She also serves as Chairman of the Board of BAFTA Los Angeles and sits on the Board of Directors of PACE (Philanthropy and Community Engagement). Busby created a special BAFTA Masterclass for underprivileged students featuring industry leaders, and serves on the BAFTA Steering Group, whose initiatives resulted in the most diverse BAFTA nominations and wins in its history.
