Hallmark Media Names Darren Abbott President as John Matts Exits

Overview

• Hallmark Media appointed Darren Abbott as president, replacing John Matts less than a year after Matts took the role.
• Abbott will keep his Chief Brand Officer title and now leads advertising sales, distribution partnerships, and audience research.
• Hallmark CEO Mike Perry endorsed the move, citing Abbott’s record building the brand and ties with advertisers and distributors.
• Abbott has spent nearly 30 years at Hallmark, launching fan events, a Christmas cruise, a touring stage show, and the Hallmark+ service.
• The company did not give a reason for Matts’s departure, leaving open how Abbott’s expanded scope may shift day-to-day brand work.