EXCLUSIVE: John Robson is leaving Moonbug Entertainment, the kids content company he co-founded, Deadline has learned.
Moonbug is owned by Candle Media and has the lucrative CoComelon franchise. Robson’s fellow Co-Founder, Rene Rechtman told staff about the news in a memo circulated today.
No specific reason for Robson’s exit was given, but Rechtman said it was his decision to leave and take some time off. Prior to Moonbug, the departing exec was at Canadian kids content studio Wildbrain.
“Together with you, John and I have built a company we love, and a company that makes a difference for millions of families around the world,” Rechtman said in his note. “I will be forever grateful for our friendship, partnership, and support over the last seven years.”
Earlier this year Moonbug shuffled its exec ranks, promoting two and making a new hire. It has set ambitious expansion plans with new kids channels and a push beyond its specialist area of pre-school content.
As well as the hugely popular CoComelon, Moonbug’s has kids franchises including Blippi. The company declined to comment on Robson’s exit.
Candle Media acquired Moonbug in late 2021 with the backing of Blackstone. Rechtman said that he remains committed to the company.
Read the full note he sent to staffers, below.
I am very sad to share that after almost seven years of working with John to build Moonbug, he has decided to leave the company and take some time off.
John is a good friend and has been an invaluable partner to me as co-founder, building Moonbug from scratch, raising investment, acquiring IP, and selling to CandleMedia/Blackstone.
Together with you, John and I have built a company we love, and a company that makes a difference for millions of families around the world.
I will be forever grateful for our friendship, partnership, and support over the last seven years. John will be sorely missed. Please join me in wishing John the best in all of his future endeavors.
I’m committed to the future of Moonbug and am confident that, together, we’ll do great things in this next chapter.
Please make sure you relax and get some time off during the break.