Paley Center for Media Welcomes New Board of Trustees, Including Disney CEO Josh D'Amaro

by : John Lasseter

The Paley Center for Media has expanded its influential leadership by welcoming a host of new trustees and governors, drawing from the highest echelons of the entertainment and technology industries. This strategic infusion of new talent aims to bolster the center's mission and adapt to the evolving media landscape. The appointments reflect a concerted effort to bring together diverse perspectives and expertise that will guide the organization in its future endeavors.

Among the notable appointments to the board of trustees is Josh D'Amaro, the chief executive officer of Disney, a titan in the global entertainment sphere. He is joined by Derek Chang, who recently ascended to the CEO position at Liberty Media. The board also welcomes distinguished figures such as Barry Friedberg, co-chairman of New York Private Bank and Trust; Alex Norström, co-CEO and director of the audio streaming giant Spotify; and Adam Presser, CEO of the TikTok USDS joint venture. Further enriching the board are Dan Schulman, CEO of Verizon; Asha Sharma, executive vice president at Microsoft and CEO of Xbox; and Hiroki Totoki, President and CEO of Sony Group Corporation. These individuals bring a wealth of experience across various facets of media, business, and technology.

In addition to the main board, the Paley Center has also named new members to its Los Angeles board of governors. This group now includes Brian Grazer, a co-founder of Imagine Entertainment, and Dave Penski, the CEO of Publicis Connected Media. These additions will further enhance the center's West Coast presence and influence within the Hollywood community. The new appointees will join an already formidable roster of industry leaders, including Apple's Eddy Cue, AMC Global Media's Kristin Dolan, Netflix's Ted Sarandos, Fox's Lachlan Murdoch, YouTube's Neal Mohan, and NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. The Los Angeles board also boasts prominent names such as Netflix's Bela Bejaria, HBO's Casey Bloys, and Instagram's Adam Mosseri.

Frank A. Bennack, Jr., executive vice chairman and former CEO of Hearst and current chairman of The Paley Center for Media, emphasized the significance of these appointments. He stated that the new members reflect the ongoing evolution of the boards and will enhance the Paley Center's capacity to engage with industries that are actively shaping the future of media. Maureen J. Reidy, president and CEO of The Paley Center for Media, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the unmatched experience, influence, and vision that these distinguished executives bring. Their collective expertise is expected to be instrumental in advancing the center's mission and solidifying its position as a leading non-profit organization in the media industry.

The integration of these accomplished leaders into the Paley Center's governance structure underscores a proactive approach to navigating the complexities and rapid transformations within the global media landscape. Their combined strategic insights and industry knowledge will be crucial in fostering innovation, promoting dialogue, and preserving the rich history of media for future generations. The refreshed boards are poised to guide the Paley Center in its continuous efforts to remain at the forefront of media discourse and development.