Weissman previously served as Chief Operating Officer of All Things Comedy, the media company founded by Bill Burr and Al Madrigal, where he helped lead the company’s growth across podcasts, digital media, film and television and oversaw distribution, sales, business development and audience strategy.
Nashville, TN (October 6, 2026) – Media executive Russell Weissman has joined 800 Pound Gorilla as Head of Licensing, bringing more than 15 years of experience across business development, distribution, audience strategy and monetization spanning traditional entertainment, digital media and the creator economy.
Weissman previously served as Chief Operating Officer of All Things Comedy, the media company founded by Bill Burr and Al Madrigal, where he helped lead the company’s growth across podcasts, digital media, film and television and oversaw distribution, sales, business development and audience strategy. Since leaving ATC, he has advised media and entertainment companies on growth, revenue strategy, partnerships and go-to-market initiatives.
Earlier in his career, Weissman held leadership roles at Maker Studios and All Day Media, helping develop partnerships and business strategies during the rapid growth of digital video and creator-led media.
Weissman shares, “I’m excited to join 800 Pound Gorilla and work with a team that has built such a strong reputation in comedy and an incredible catalog of content. There’s a tremendous opportunity to expand how that content reaches audiences, develop new partnerships and create additional value for the company and the artists they work with.”
800 Pound Gorilla General Manager Tony Grotticelli and Co-Founder Ryan Bitzer adds, “Our success and strategic intelligence comes directly from the incredible talent, insight, and expertise we bring into the company. Bringing on a titan in the industry like Russell to our team is a key part of that ongoing growth.”
This has been a landmark year for comedy leader 800 Pound Gorilla, building on a decade of redefining independent comedy through stand-up specials, podcasts, digital distribution and creator-first partnerships. The recent Tubi partnership follows a series of major strategic initiatives, including new distribution partnerships with Nateland and Comedy Central Records, as well as the launch of Gorilla Comedy+, the company’s premium streaming destination dedicated entirely to stand-up comedy.
Reaching more than 20 million comedy fans each month across its platforms and social channels (3.8 million followers), the company specializes in the production, distribution, and marketing of stand-up comedy, while also operating Gorilla Comedy+, its premium streaming home for stand-up. Its recent expansion includes partnerships with Nateland, Comedy Central Records, Kevin Hart’s Laugh Out Loud Network, All Things Comedy, and major streaming platforms including Netflix, Peacock, and now Tubi, continuing its mission to connect comedians with audiences around the world.
Committed to delivering the best in comedy to a global audience, the company leverages innovation and transparency to connect comedians and fans through shared laughter. Headquartered in Nashville, with team members worldwide and an international division in London, the company engages audiences across 800poundgorillamedia.com, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
