The search for RWS Global‘s (New York, NY) next CEO is underway as founder Ryan Stana moves into an Executive Chairman role. In the interim, Chief Operating Officer Jake McCoy has been appointed Interim CEO, with day-to-day execution running out of London, where he is based. Chief Financial Officer Chris Lucarz has been appointed Interim President & CFO. Bluestone Equity Partners, RWS’s minority investor, is leading the CEO search.
The transition was announced April 14 with the support of Bluestone and the company’s Board of Directors. Candidates for the permanent CEO role can submit applications to [email protected].
Stana founded RWS Global 23 years ago and has led the company through five years of what the company describes as exponential expansion, including acquisitions that built out its global footprint. As Executive Chairman, he will focus on long-term strategy, vision, and new growth areas while partnering with McCoy on continuity.
“Jake has been instrumental in our growth and is the right leader for RWS Global today,” Stana said in the announcement. “I have had the privilege of guiding the business through significant growth and M&A with a clear focus on building for the future. The priority now is ensuring the right leadership is in place to sustain that momentum.”
McCoy’s Background and UK Base
McCoy began his career at RWS Global as a production manager and has worked across divisions and markets for more than a decade. As COO, he led global expansion initiatives and operational work across land, sea, and sports production. In 2022, he relocated to the UK to establish the company’s presence there and will remain based in the UK as Interim CEO.
“Throughout my time at RWS Global, I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with Ryan and help build nearly every part of the business,” McCoy said. “I’m humbled and excited to lead the team into its next phase, combining creative excellence with operational rigor to scale the brand globally while strengthening performance, accountability, and speed.”
Expanded Leadership Structure
Lucarz, formerly of NBCUniversal, takes on expanded oversight of financial performance, operations, and business discipline in his new Interim President & CFO role. The broader leadership team includes Chief Growth Officer Veronica Hart, formerly of Paramount Global, alongside long-standing executives Chief Creative Officer Craig Laurie and Chief of Staff Meghan Murphy.
“Ryan has been a driving force behind RWS Global’s success,” said Bobby Sharma, Founder and Managing Partner of Bluestone Equity Partners. “We are confident in this leadership evolution and excited to support Ryan, Jake, and the executive team as they continue to drive growth and innovation.”
Company Footprint
RWS Global is headquartered in New York, London, Cincinnati, Shanghai, Orlando, Sydney, and Riyadh, with dedicated studios in New York and the UK. The company produces live entertainment across theatrical productions, live events, immersive destinations, multimedia, and consumer products, and employs more than 8,000 people worldwide.
Its attractions-side client list includes Europa-Park Resort, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Hard Rock Resorts, Hershey Entertainment & Resorts, Merlin Entertainments, Six Flags, and Space Center Houston, alongside cruise clients including Carnival, Holland America Line, MSC Cruises, and TUI Group. Broadway and touring credits include Disney’s The Lion King, Chicago the Musical, and the Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes.
