Ed Simpson, who served as Chief Strategy Officer at “Calabasas Confidential” producer Wheelhouse, has left the company after 15 years to launch a new investment venture in the Creator Economy, per Deadline.

Simpson is in talks to invest in a number of YouTube channels as part of the new company. He is expected to close his first deals over the coming weeks. His departure from Wheelhouse had been in the works for some time, Deadline reports.

Background in Creator Media

Simpson’s interest in the Creator Economy predates his exit. In 2021, he launched Wheelhouse DNA, an influencer-focused content division that produced original content for digital native talent across YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, working with creators including Nikita Dragun.

Before Wheelhouse, Simpson served as showrunner on ABC’s Wife Swap. He joined Leftfield Pictures in 2012 as head of business development, focusing on M&A and playing a central role in the company’s acquisition by ITV in 2014. When Wheelhouse founder Brent Montgomery was named CEO of ITV America in 2015, Simpson became EVP of Business Development and International for the U.S. division. He joined the Wheelhouse founding team as CSO when Montgomery launched the company in 2018.

Simpson said, “What an incredible ride the last 15 years have been, building numerous successful businesses with Brent and together with the Wheelhouse team, and I am thankful for every experience and opportunity. We’ve navigated so much together, including the seismic changes in our industry – but those have also opened doors to new models for growth and so I’m eager and excited to expand my work across a broader portfolio of ventures.”

Montgomery said, “It’s always difficult when a longtime partner and friend moves on to start a new chapter; this one feels especially bittersweet. That said, I’m extremely proud of what we accomplished during that time. Now is the moment to support Ed as he steps out on his own.”

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