Amazon Names Carina Walker Head of YA Amid Industry Growth
Amazon MGM Studios has named Carina Walker as its new Head of YA. This move follows Friedlander's announcement to split the original drama and comedy position into three separate roles: Comedy, Drama, and YA. Walker will oversee Young Adult content for Amazon MGM Studios, a key area of growth for the company.
Friedlander announced Walker's promotion internally in a memo, stating that she has been at Amazon for almost a decade and has worked across drama and international, focusing on YA recently. He praised her talent relationships and creative instincts, highlighting shows like Off Campus, Every Year After, and Mr. and Mrs. Smith.
The upcoming slate of huge BookTok IP and voice-driven talent makes Walker the perfect choice to lead this industry-leading vertical, according to Friedlander. With her appointment alongside Andy Weil as Head of Comedy, Amazon MGM Studios' creative leadership team is now fully in place.