Dragons’ Den star Steven Bartlett has continued his recent hiring spree with the appointment of former Warner Music Group VP Leon Farrell.
Farrell joins FlightStory as product director, leading the Creator Ventures Studio.
His arrival follows the appointment of Jules Davies Marriott and Amy Golding to Bartlett’s private office as the 32-year-old prepares to divide his time between Los Angeles and the UK.
The Diary of a CEO host recently announced he’d signed a deal with the world’s No 1 talent agent, WME, to represent him in the USA.
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Farrell previously spent a decade at Warner Music Group, where he played a pivotal role in revenue generation for some of the world’s biggest artists, including Dua Lipa, Muse, and Ed Sheeran
Farrell said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to join FlightStory and be part of a team telling amazing stories, building vibrant communities, and backing bold founders.
“When Paul C Brunson described it as the modern Def Jam, it instantly clicked – I grew up watching that label become legendary, and the energy here feels just as electric.”
Beyond his professional achievements, Farrell is an avid Arsenal supporter and season ticket holder, often attending games with his twin brother and father.
Bartlett said: “Leon’s ability to merge creativity, strategy, and revenue growth is exactly what FlightStory needs as we expand our creator ventures studio. His experience working with global icons and major brands will be invaluable in shaping the future of creator-led media and digital storytelling. We’re thrilled to have him on board.”
Prior to his tenure in the music industry, Farrell worked in AdTech, collaborating with brands like Nike, Heineken, and Samsung to measure and optimize their digital campaign impact through data-driven strategies.
His journey also took him to Thailand, where he spent nearly three years pursuing architecture before transitioning into entertainment—a shift that ultimately led him to blend creative storytelling with business strategy.
In 2024, Steven Bartlett teamed up with Georgie Holt and Christiana Brenton to co-found FlightStory, a global media and investment company.
Holt, now CEO of FlightStory, boasts over 20 years in the media industry across the UK and US.
Brenton, now chief revenue officer of FlightStory, has over a decade of media experience across the APAC, EMEA, and US markets.
FlightStory’s studio operates global production studios in London, Manchester, New York, Boston, and Los Angeles.