Christopher Brearton recently joined AGBO as a Partner, teaming with co-founders Anthony and Joe Russo, the highest-grossing film directors of the past decade, and Donald Mustard, the former Chief Creative Officer of Epic Games and creator of Fortnite. Brearton brings with him over 30 years of experience in media and entertainment strategy, dealmaking, and operations. Through his commitment to talent, Brearton has also cultivated relationships with some of the industry’s premier creatives.
In recent years, AGBO has achieved record-breaking success in both box office and streaming, setting new standards in global entertainment. The Russo Brothers and AGBO have had 11 number one global openings with over seven billion in box office including Marvel’s highest grossing film of all time; “Avengers: Endgame”. “Everything Everywhere All at Once” broke records for A24 by winning seven Academy Awards including Best Picture in 2023. The Russo Brothers-directed film “The Gray Man” sits in the top six of Netflix’s “most viewed of all time” list, and the Chris Hemsworth-starrer “Extraction” has become Netflix’s most successful franchise to date. Additionally, Prime Video’s “Citadel” franchise instantly landed as Prime’s second-most-watched show in history.
Prior to joining AGBO, Brearton most recently served as the Vice President of Corporate Strategy at Amazon MGM Studios. In that role, Brearton oversaw corporate strategy, including the integration of Metro- Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) into Amazon. He also oversaw MGM’s scripted and unscripted television business, launched MGM+ as a global streaming service, guided the theatrical film distribution strategy, and was the primary liaison for several key creative properties, including the James Bond franchise.
Before the sale to Amazon, Brearton led MGM as its Chief Operating Officer, reporting directly to the Board of Directors. In this capacity, he grew and revitalized the iconic studio, overseeing its global financial and business operations and its film and television content production and distribution strategy. Brearton was the Chief Architect of the $8.45 billion sale of MGM to Amazon.
Brearton previously was a partner at the law firm of Latham & Watkins, where he was the Founding Partner of the firm’s Century City office. He built an internationally acclaimed Entertainment, Sports, and Media practice, focusing on mergers and acquisitions, strategic joint ventures, complex content financing, and media rights licensing. His clients included the International Olympic Committee, DreamWorks Animation, Univision Communications, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Facebook, the San Francisco Giants, and AMC Network.
Brearton has received numerous accolades, including The Hollywood Reporter’s “Power Players,” Sports Business Journal’s “Elite” list and “Forty Under Forty,” and Variety’s “Hollywood’s Top Dealmakers” and “Game-Changing Entertainment Attorneys.” He is also a member of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.
Beyond entertainment, Brearton is highly involved in the Olympic Movement. He currently serves as the Chairman of USA Swimming and led the marketing sub-committee of the FINA reform committee. He currently chairs the President’s Advisory Committee of World Aquatics (formerly FINA).
Brearton completed his Bachelor of Business Administration at the University of Georgia, competing as a varsity swimmer under legendary US Olympic Team coach Jack Bauerle. He then embarked on his career as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with KPMG in Los Angeles before advancing his education at the University of Virginia School of Law, where he earned his Juris Doctor.
Brearton’s illustrious career is defined by his strategic foresight, dedication to advancing the entertainment industry, and commitment to fostering talent and innovation in both business and sports. His leadership continues to influence the evolving landscape of global entertainment, making him a pivotal figure at AGBO and beyond.