Louise Pentland to Join Roku as SVP and General Counsel

Rhea-AI Summary

Roku has announced that Louise Pentland will join the company as Senior Vice President and General Counsel, effective July 23. Pentland, who previously served as Executive Vice President and Chief Counsel for Disney Experiences and Products, brings extensive expertise in legal and regulatory matters. She will succeed Stephen Kay, who will retire in November after over a decade with Roku. During his tenure, Kay played a key role in significant company milestones, including Roku's IPO in 2017. CEO Anthony Wood praised Pentland’s expertise and noted her potential contributions to Roku's goals. Pentland expressed excitement about joining the company and contributing to its future.

Positive

• Louise Pentland's extensive experience at Disney and PayPal could bring valuable insights and expertise to Roku.
• Stephen Kay’s smooth transition plan ensures continuity in Roku’s legal affairs.
• Pentland’s background in overseeing global operations could enhance Roku’s strategic initiatives.

Negative

• The departure of long-term General Counsel Stephen Kay may introduce initial uncertainty and potential disruption during the transition period.

Stephen Kay to retire after a decade leading company’s legal team

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Roku, Inc. (Nasdaq: ROKU) announced today that Louise Pentland will join the company as Senior Vice President and General Counsel, effective July 23. Pentland will report to Anthony Wood, Founder and CEO, and will succeed current SVP and General Counsel Stephen Kay, who is retiring in November.

Louise Pentland will join Roku as Senior Vice President and General Counsel, effective July 23. (Photo: Business Wire)

Pentland joins Roku from The Walt Disney Company, where she has been Executive Vice President and Chief Counsel for Disney Experiences and Products. In this role, she oversees all legal and regulatory matters for the segment’s businesses, which include its global theme park destinations, cruise operations, global consumer products operations, and e-commerce platform.

Kay is stepping down after more than 10 years at Roku. During his tenure, he has been a valuable member of Roku’s senior management team and has played a key role in many of the company’s most significant milestones, including Roku’s successful initial public offering in 2017. Kay will work closely with Pentland to ensure a smooth transition.

“We are delighted to welcome Louise to Roku’s executive team,” said Wood. “Her extensive expertise in legal affairs, government relations, and corporate governance will be invaluable as we advance our mission to transform how the world watches TV and connect and enhance the entire TV ecosystem. Meanwhile, we thank Steve for his many important contributions to the company’s success and wish him the very best as he prepares for his well-deserved retirement.”

“I’m thrilled to join Roku during such an exciting period and feel privileged to be part of a company at the forefront of the streaming revolution,” said Pentland. “Roku has always been a leader and innovator in smart TV, and I’m eager to contribute to the company’s ambitious future goals in this new role.”

Prior to Disney, Pentland served as Executive Vice President, Chief Business Affairs and Legal Officer for PayPal and Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer of Nokia Corporation. She continues to serve as a non-executive director at Experian PLC, Hitachi Ltd., and Pacific Life. Pentland holds both an undergraduate degree in law and a postgraduate diploma in legal practice from Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne. She is licensed to practice law in the U.S., England, Wales, and Europe.

About Roku, Inc.

Roku pioneered streaming on TV. We connect users to the content they love, enable content publishers to build and monetize large audiences, and provide advertisers with unique capabilities to engage consumers. Roku TV™ models, Roku streaming players, and TV-related audio devices are available in various countries around the world through direct retail sales and/or licensing arrangements with TV OEM brands. Roku-branded TVs and Roku Smart Home products are sold exclusively in the United States. Roku also operates The Roku Channel, the home of free and premium entertainment with exclusive access to Roku Originals. The Roku Channel is available in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the United Kingdom. Roku is headquartered in San Jose, Calif., U.S.A.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240711718064/en/

Kelli Raftery

kraftery@roku.com

Jack Evans

jackevans@roku.com

Source: Roku, Inc.

FAQ

When will Louise Pentland join Roku as SVP and General Counsel?

Louise Pentland will join Roku as Senior Vice President and General Counsel on July 23.

Who is Louise Pentland succeeding as General Counsel at Roku?

Louise Pentland is succeeding Stephen Kay, who will retire in November after more than 10 years with Roku.

What was Louise Pentland's role before joining Roku?

Before joining Roku, Louise Pentland was Executive Vice President and Chief Counsel for Disney Experiences and Products.

How might Louise Pentland's experience benefit Roku?

Louise Pentland's extensive background in legal and regulatory matters from her time at Disney and PayPal is expected to provide valuable insights and support Roku's strategic initiatives.