Veteran business executive and entrepreneur Shawn Colo has been appointed as executive chairman of Fort Worth-based Teton Ridge, a leading Western sports and entertainment company.
Teton Ridge said that Deirdre Lester will be stepping down as CEO to pursue other opportunities. Teton Ridge is owned by TWG Global, a diversified holding company led by Thomas Tull and Mark Walter.
In 2024, Teton Ridge acquired The Cowboy Channel and The Cowgirl Channel to solidify its hold on Western storytelling.
“We are a Western Sports media company with big ambitions,” Tull, co-chairman of TWG Global and director of Teton Ridge, said in a statement. “Shawn’s private equity prowess, focus on innovation and proven ability to build best-in-class businesses make him the ideal leader to unlock Teton Ridge’s growth potential and elevate the brand both here in the US and globally.”
The company said that Colo brings a two-decade track record of success as an operator, investor, and entrepreneur building and growing businesses, which it said will be critical as the company continues to scale.
Colo co-founded Demand Media, an early pioneer in social content and digital media, where he served initially as head of M&A and ultimately as CEO, leading the business from startup to its successful IPO. Most recently, Colo co-founded 3L, a growth equity investment firm focused on consumer and technology companies, where he continues to actively manage the firm’s portfolio through various board responsibilities.
Forming an Office of the CEO
Colo will form an Office of the CEO, the company said, with key longstanding members of the Teton Ridge leadership team, who bring a breadth of expertise spanning technology, business, sports, entertainment, and Western culture.
Teton Ridge said that together, they will lead the firm’s mission of making Western sports and entertainment more accessible and embed technology across the platform, while honoring the deep heritage of the American West.
“With the ever-rising popularity of Western media, it is an incredible time to join the brand that is leading the movement,” Colo said. “Teton Ridge has amassed an impressive portfolio of leading sports and media assets, and I look forward to working with the senior leadership team to build a lasting sports and live events franchise.”
Wrangling investors and western media
Teton Ridge was founded in 2019, with additional investors including Jim Breyer and the Lee Bass Family Office.
Since its inception Teton Ridge said it has grown via strategic acquisitions and initiatives, including The American Rodeo Contender Series & Championship Weekend – live on FOX Sports, The American Performance Horseman, and the docuseries Window to the West.
The company’s portfolio also includes Better Barrel Races, C&I Magazine, The MauneyCast, and the Let’s Freakin’ Rodeo podcast.
A year ago, Teton Ridge acquired The Cowboy Channel and Cowgirl Channel, cementing its leadership in Western sports media. Teton Ridge is also the parent company of Teton Ridge Entertainment, a film and television studio led by President Jillian Share that explores Americana stories and highlights the themes, ethos, and setting of the American West.
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