Archive · 19 Jun 2025
Lena Waithe's Hillman Grad Shifts Focus; Executives Depart
Lena Waithe, who started Hillman Grad to help make movies, is changing things up.
The company will become smaller so she can focus on writing and creating.
The people who ran the company are leaving to start their own business.
Hillman Grad will still help new talents through a program.
Waithe will now work on her own projects, like the TV show 'The Chi' and a new musical.
Lena Waithe's Hillman Grad is restructuring to become a production banner.
CEO Rishi Rajani and head of development Naomi Funabashi are departing.
Rajani and Funabashi plan to launch a new company together.
Hillman Grad will continue the Mentorship Lab for emerging talent.
Waithe will focus on projects like 'The Chi' and a Broadway musical.
- Who
- Lena Waithe, Rishi Rajani, and Naomi Funabashi.
- What
- Hillman Grad is downsizing to focus on Lena Waithe's creative work.
- When
- The restructuring is happening now.
- Where
- The changes affect Hillman Grad's operations.
- Why
- Waithe wants to concentrate on her creative projects.
Hillman Grad's New Direction
Previous Company Focus
Focus of the company
Hillman Grad's New Direction
Shifting to a production banner focused on Waithe's creative work.
Previous Company Focus
The company will be led by other people. Focus more on giving opportunities to people from underrepresented communities.
- Company Founder
- Lena Waithe
- Former CEO
- Rishi Rajani
- Head of Development
- Naomi Funabashi
- Focus Shift
- Production banner
- Ongoing Initiative
- Hillman Grad Mentorship Lab
- Upcoming Project
- Broadway musical of 'Polly'