Derek Van Pelt and Ray Moheet have been promoted to the positions of co-CEOs at Mainstay Entertainment, marking a significant milestone in their nearly ten-year tenure with the company. The announcement was made by Norman Aladjem, the founder and chairman, who previously held the CEO title. In their new roles, Van Pelt and Moheet will manage daily operations while collaborating with Aladjem on strategic initiatives to steer the company’s long-term growth.
Both executives have been pivotal at Mainstay since its establishment in March 2017. Van Pelt’s extensive experience includes serving as executive producer for several notable television projects. His credits encompass popular programs such as MSNBC’s The Turning Point, Showtime’s The World According to Football, and Nickelodeon’s Kid of The Year. He has also been involved in producing acclaimed comedy specials, including Roy Wood Jr.: Lonely Flowers and Trevor Noah: Where Was I.
Moheet brings a diverse portfolio of film production to his new role. His work includes films like Before I Go, starring Annabella Sciorra, and A Simple Wedding, featuring Rita Wilson. He has also excelled in producing content for Blumhouse/Hulu, including Into the Dark, and various comedy specials.
In a statement regarding their appointments, Aladjem emphasized the significance of the promotions: “This announcement reflects both the history and the future of Mainstay Entertainment. We founded the company around a shared belief in thoughtfully architecting artists’ careers and helping them tell their stories — a philosophy Ray and Derek have consistently embodied for nearly a decade. I’m excited to continue to work closely with them in this next chapter.”
Van Pelt and Moheet expressed their gratitude in a joint statement, stating, “We’re honored by the trust that’s been placed in us and grateful for the opportunity to continue building the company together. The work ethic, values, and approach that have guided us from the beginning remain unchanged, and we’re excited to lead the business forward alongside Norm and this incredible team.”
Mainstay Entertainment represents a diverse roster of talent, including David Archuleta, Tisha Campbell, Katherine Heigl, and Trevor Noah. The company is also actively involved in several development projects. These include an adaptation of Noah’s bestselling memoir, Born a Crime, and the genre-bending vampire western The Sun Always Sets in the West for Lionsgate, which is set to begin production in 2026.
On the television front, Mainstay is developing a range of projects, including Patti Stanger’s Strike a Match series for The CW and the documentary Martha’s Vineyard v. DeSantis, set to air on MSNBC and Peacock. The company continues to expand its presence across multiple platforms, solidifying its commitment to producing compelling content.
