Tony Yates

Tony Yates is an award-winning media executive and producer with more than 20 years of experience creating, producing, and scaling premium unscripted entertainment. As Co-Head of Critical Content, Yates oversees all aspects of production across the company's slate. As a principal executive, he shepherds some of Critical's biggest hits, including SLY for Netflix, CATFISH for MTV, and CELEBRITY GAME FACE with Kevin Hart, among many others.

A two-time Emmy-nominated producer for HBO's acclaimed PROJECT GREENLIGHT, Yates's producing credits also include SUPERNANNY, CELEBRITY WIFE SWAP, and DON'T FORGET THE LYRICS. Prior to joining Critical Content, he was CEO of Zodiak Los Angeles, where he oversaw creative, execution, and distribution for the company's global formats launched in the U.S., delivering more than 1,000 hours of programming across major networks, streamers, brands, and international partners. Yates began his career at Paramount Pictures in domestic syndication and later served as a studio executive on the U.S. adaptation of the British scripted series BEING HUMAN. He has also executive produced large-scale branded content, including Ford's CITY OF TOMORROW campaign.

Yates's expertise spans premium documentary, competition formats, live events, game shows, talent-driven entertainment, esports, automotive, and branded content. He is recognized for building high-performing teams, negotiating complex partnerships, and delivering ambitious creative projects on real-world budgets. A first-generation American and Los Angeles native, he also holds dual U.S. and U.K. citizenship.