Starz Appoints Disney Veteran Jim Kapenstein as Chief Legal and Strategy Officer

Starz has officially appointed Jim Kapenstein, a seasoned executive formerly with Disney, to the role of Chief Legal and Strategy Officer. Reporting directly to President and CEO Jeffrey Hirsch, Kapenstein is set to oversee the network’s legal affairs, business strategy, and corporate development. His transition to the premium cable network marks a significant leadership shift as the company looks to navigate an increasingly complex media landscape.

In his new capacity, Kapenstein will manage a broad portfolio that includes content acquisition, production oversight, distribution agreements, and regulatory compliance. Beyond day-to-day legal operations, he is expected to serve as a primary architect for Starz’s future growth, with a specific mandate to lead strategic corporate transactions and mergers and acquisitions. His background in managing high-level legal frameworks at a major studio like Disney positions him to handle the intricate governance requirements of a public-facing media entity.

This appointment is particularly notable given Kapenstein’s extensive experience in overseeing some of Disney’s most transformative corporate acquisitions. By bringing in a veteran with a proven track record in M&A and strategic business development, Starz is signaling a proactive approach to its long-term corporate trajectory. As the streaming and cable sectors continue to consolidate, Kapenstein’s expertise will be vital in helping Starz refine its competitive positioning and operational efficiency under the leadership of Jeffrey Hirsch.