Leadership Transition: Vertali Media Announces New Chief Executive Officer

Atlanta, Georgia — June 15, 2026 — Vertali Media, Inc., a leading digital entertainment platform and subsidiary of Platform Entertainment Group, today announced a significant leadership transition as part of its ongoing strategic evolution. Cody Kirtley, who has served as Chief Executive Officer since the company's founding, will be stepping down from his role to assume a new executive position within Platform Entertainment Group (PEG), the parent organization. The Board of Directors has appointed Aroha Whitmore, currently serving as Chief Operating Officer, as the incoming Chief Executive Officer, effective July 1, 2026.

A New Chapter for Vertali Media

The leadership transition marks a pivotal moment in Vertali Media's trajectory. Under Cody Kirtley's stewardship, the company has grown from a nascent streaming concept into a recognized platform serving thousands of viewers across the United States. His vision for premium, curated entertainment experiences has defined the company's identity and set the foundation for continued growth within the Platform Entertainment Group ecosystem.

"This transition represents the natural evolution of both my career and the company's leadership needs," said Cody Kirtley. "When I founded Vertali Media, I set out to build something that would resonate with audiences seeking quality content in an increasingly fragmented landscape. I'm incredibly proud of what we've accomplished together — our team, our technology, and most importantly, our community of viewers."

"Leading Vertali Media has been the defining experience of my professional life. The decision to transition was not made lightly, but I believe wholeheartedly in Aroha's ability to guide this company into its next chapter. She brings a rare combination of operational excellence, strategic vision, and genuine passion for what we do."

— Cody Kirtley, Outgoing CEO, Vertali Media

In his new role within Platform Entertainment Group, Kirtley will serve as Senior Vice President of Digital Entertainment Strategy, where he will work alongside Group Chairman Matthew Carter and Vertali Group CEO Daniel Carter to oversee the broader digital entertainment portfolio. This position will allow him to apply his expertise at a broader scale while maintaining close ties to Vertali Media's strategic direction.

Introducing Aroha Whitmore

Aroha Whitmore joined Vertali Media in 2024 as Chief Operating Officer, where she has been instrumental in streamlining operations, expanding content partnerships, and enhancing the platform's technical infrastructure. Her tenure has been marked by a 40% improvement in operational efficiency and the successful launch of several key platform features, including the recently introduced recommendation engine and watch party functionality.

"I am deeply honored and excited to lead Vertali Media into its next phase," said Aroha Whitmore. "Cody has built an extraordinary foundation — a platform that genuinely cares about its viewers and their experience. My focus will be on scaling that vision, deepening our content offerings, and continuing to innovate in ways that make entertainment more accessible, more personal, and more engaging for our community."

Career Highlights

• Chief Operating Officer, Vertali Media (2024–Present): Oversaw all operational functions, content acquisition, and platform development initiatives.
• Vice President of Digital Products, Cox Media Group (2018–2024): Led digital transformation initiatives and streaming product development across the Southeast region.
• Director of Content Strategy, Turner Broadcasting System (2014–2018): Developed content strategies for digital distribution platforms within the WarnerMedia ecosystem.
• Senior Product Manager, Regional Streaming Ventures (2011–2014): Managed product development for emerging streaming services in the Southeast market.
• Master of Business Administration, Emory University Goizueta Business School (2011): Graduated with honors, specializing in media management and digital strategy.

Strategic Vision for the Future

The leadership transition comes at a time of strong momentum for Vertali Media. The company recently concluded its Summer Showdown 2026 event, a 31-day streaming marathon that saw record viewer engagement and subscriber growth. With a robust content library, innovative platform features, and a growing user base, Vertali Media is well-positioned for its next chapter within the Platform Entertainment Group family.

Under Whitmore's leadership, the company has outlined several strategic priorities:

1. Content Expansion: Deepening partnerships with major studios and investing in original content development, with a focus on domestically produced programming that reflects American stories and perspectives.
2. Technology Innovation: Advancing the platform's recommendation algorithms, watch party features, and cross-device synchronization capabilities through Vertali Web Services.
3. Market Growth: Expanding viewer reach across the United States, with particular emphasis on strengthening presence in key metropolitan markets.
4. Viewer Experience: Continuing to pioneer health-conscious viewing features, including the structured viewing limits and break reminders introduced during Summer Showdown 2026.
5. Community Building: Enhancing social features and community engagement tools that connect viewers around shared entertainment experiences.
6. PEG Integration: Strengthening synergies with Platform Entertainment Group entities including Vertali Media Group, Vertali Streamer Operations, and Magic Media Group.

Platform Entertainment Group Alignment

The leadership transition has been coordinated closely with Platform Entertainment Group's executive team, including Group Chairman Matthew Carter and Vertali Group CEO Daniel Carter. The move reflects PEG's commitment to developing internal leadership talent and ensuring seamless transitions across its portfolio of companies.

"Cody's contributions to Vertali Media have been nothing short of extraordinary. He built this company from the ground up with a clear vision and unwavering dedication. As he moves into his new role at PEG, we're gaining a strategic leader who understands our entire entertainment ecosystem. And in Aroha, Vertali Media is getting a CEO who combines operational rigor with a genuine passion for the viewer experience."

— Daniel Carter, Chief Executive Officer, Vertali Group

"On behalf of the Carter family and the entire Platform Entertainment Group organization, I want to express our profound gratitude to Cody for his extraordinary leadership. He embodies the values that define our company — honesty, accountability, and integrity. We are equally thrilled to welcome Aroha into the CEO role. Her deep understanding of the business and her genuine connection to our viewers make her the ideal leader for Vertali Media's future."

— Matthew Carter, Founder & Group Chairman, Platform Entertainment Group

Transition Timeline

The leadership transition will follow a structured timeline to ensure continuity and minimize disruption:

• June 15, 2026: Public announcement of leadership transition
• June 16–30, 2026: Overlap period with joint leadership and knowledge transfer
• July 1, 2026: Aroha Whitmore officially assumes CEO role; Cody Kirtley begins SVP position at PEG
• July–September 2026: Strategic planning period under new leadership with Board review
• October 2026: First major strategic update under Whitmore's leadership

About Vertali Media

Vertali Media, Inc. is a premium digital entertainment platform headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. A subsidiary of Platform Entertainment Group, the company provides curated streaming experiences featuring a diverse library of television series, films, and original content. Known for its viewer-centric approach and innovative platform features, Vertali Media has established itself as a trusted destination for quality entertainment. The platform is part of the broader Vertali ecosystem, which includes Vertali Group, Vertali Media Group, Vertali Streamer Operations, Vertali Web Services, and other specialized entities.

For more information about Vertali Media, visit tv.vertali.cc.

About Platform Entertainment Group

Platform Entertainment Group (PEG) is a proudly American, family-led entertainment holding company dedicated to strengthening American entertainment, supporting American creators, and building American media dominance. Led by Founder & Group Chairman Matthew Carter, PEG maintains direct historical ties to the Carter legacy and operates a diverse portfolio of entertainment companies spanning streaming, film distribution, creator housing, production, and digital services. PEG's core companies include Vertali Group, Vertali Media Group, Vertali Streamer Operations, Vertali Realty, Vertali Web Services, Magic Media Group, and Platform Post.

For more information about Platform Entertainment Group, visit tv.vertali.cc/about.

This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding the company's leadership transition and strategic plans. Actual results may differ materially from those projected. Vertali Media, Inc. and Platform Entertainment Group undertake no obligation to update forward-looking statements.