Legendary Entertainment, the company behind “Dune” and “Godzilla,” has hired Apollo partner Aaron Sobel.
He will serve as a member of Legendary’s senior management team, helping lead and execute the strategy including corporate development, M&A, capital strategy and formation, and overseeing new business initiatives. He will report directly to Josh Grode, CEO of Legendary.
Sobel’s newly created role is intended to expand Legendary’s ability to pursue opportunities across media and entertainment. His hiring comes as Legendary has reportedly been pursuing an acquisition of Lionsgate.
“I have worked closely with Aaron for the past four years and seen firsthand his exceptional strategic judgment, understanding of our business and genuine belief in Legendary,” said Grode. “As we build on a period of meaningful creative and commercial success, bringing Aaron into our leadership team will help us execute the next stage of our long-term growth strategy. His experience and business acumen will be invaluable as we expand into new areas.”
Sobel joins Legendary after 15 years at Apollo, where he served as a partner in the firm’s private equity business and worked in investments across media, entertainment and telecommunications. Before joining Apollo in 2011, he worked in the Investment Banking Division at Goldman Sachs. Sobel has been named to Private Equity International’s “Future 40: Dealmakers” list and Variety’s annual Variety500 list of the most influential leaders in the global media industry.
“Having worked closely with Josh, Mary Parent and the Legendary team through Apollo funds’ investment in the company, I have seen the strength of the business and the quality of its leadership,” said Sobel. “The team has developed an ambitious long-term growth strategy, and I could not be more excited to join Legendary and work alongside them to bring that vision to life. This is an opportunity to contribute more directly to a company I know well and deeply believe in.”
Legendary’s upcoming slate includes “Dune: Part Three,” “Godzilla x Kong: Supernova” and a sequel to “A Minecraft Movie.” The company is also working on “Gundam,” a live-action adaptation of the iconic Japanese franchise, starring Sydney Sweeney and Noah Centineo.
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