• Argonon becomes first client for Accelerate Worldwide Ltd
• Brief to support digital growth through strategic acquisition or industry hires
• Accelerate team headed up by former CEO of AOL Europe, Co-Founder Kate Burns alongside seasoned executives Nimeshh Patel, Pat Nelson, Anthony Webb and Anne Macartney
London/New York, October 16th 2012: Argonon, the international indie created by CEO James Burstall with offices in the UK, USA and Canada, today announces that it has hired Accelerate Worldwide Ltd, the commercial management consultancy co-founded by former CEO of AOL Europe, Kate Burns, to help support its digital growth strategy.
Argonon becomes the first client for Accelerate, which launched in September. Through the partnership, the Argonon group – which has grown its core TV business in London, New York, Vancouver and Los Angeles – will look to build its digital credentials, through either strategic acquisition or senior industry appointments, facilitated by Accelerate Worldwide Ltd. The brief includes the option of an acquisition of a digital specialist company with a proven track record in working closely with brands to develop exciting and creative content.
The move follows the recent announcement that Argonon will next year launch www.cashintheattic.com, a new global hub for the international hit show, Cash in the Attic. It also follows the recent appointment of former Endemol interactive entertainment head Tom Blakeson, as Chief Creative Officer at Remedy Productions, part of Argonon.
The Accelerate Worldwide Ltd team includes co-founder, Kate Burns, who has over 16 years’ experience working for the world’s largest and most reputable digital corporations. Most recently, she ran AOL Europe and led her team through a swift and successful business turnaround. As a high profile business leader, with a specialism in the digital sector, Kate will be working closely with Argonon to develop the right strategy for growth in this area.
James Burstall, CEO of Argonon commented: “Kate is one of the industry’s trail blazers. She’s top of her game and has launched her newco alongside a smart, informed and incisive team. Argonon only wants to work with world-class talent, the best in field, which is why we have chosen Accelerate to help us build our acceleration into digital. Digital and cross platform entertainment offer rich opportunities for innovation and disruptive rule-breaking and we are driving forwards with a sense of excitement…and await lots of vigorous surprises ahead.”
Kate Burns, Co-Founder at Accelerate Ltd added: “Digital is key to the creative lifeblood and future proofing of the TV industry and to the innate innovation that exists within successful entertainment businesses such as Argonon.
“Argonon is amongst the most forward thinking and respected independent companies in the entertainment world and we are thrilled to be working on such an exciting project. Accelerate’s digital and entertainment experience means that we are perfectly positioned to support Argonon in its growth within this constantly-evolving area; which is bound to reap major rewards for the business over the coming years.”
For further information, please contact:
Argonon – House PR
Rich Turner / Ffion Williams
T: + 44 207 291 3021 / 3039
E: rich@housepr.com / ffion@housepr.com
Accelerate
Sarah Gavin
T: + 44 7970 313600
E: sarah@accelerate.com