Kirsten Richesson

Kirsten Richesson joined Entertainment Partners’ Executive Team in 2024. With deep experience at the intersection of technology and financial services, she led the legal, compliance and privacy teams at Blackhawk Network – a global payments and incentive network – including its transition from a public to a private company after being purchased by private equity firm Silverlake Partners.

Kirsten built her career specializing in areas including commercial agreements, regulatory compliance, cybersecurity, data privacy, proprietary software development, corporate governance and mergers and acquisitions. Her track record of success in a highly regulated industry includes guiding legal strategy to support international expansion and mergers and acquisitions, and shape government affairs for regulated products.

Prior to joining Entertainment Partners, Kirsten served as Chief Legal Officer at Blackhawk Network where she managed legal, compliance and privacy teams in the Americas, the EU and APAC, supporting the company’s operations in approximately 30 markets. At Blackhawk Network she executed the legal strategy for the successful launch of innovative products, ecommerce sites and apps, as well as provided tech-friendly regulatory guidance for global software development and digital product/platform solutions. Kirsten began her career working at several distinguished law firms including Latham & Watkins, developing a foundation that has enabled her to guide companies through today’s most complex regulatory and business environments.

Kirsten received her BA in international relations from William Jewell College, and her JD from the University of Kansas Law School. She is an avid gardener, enjoys travel and exercise, and spending time with family.