Archive · 16 Jan 2026
David Linde Named Sundance Institute CEO
David Linde is the new CEO of the Sundance Institute.
He will start his job on February 17.
Before this, Amanda Kelso was the interim CEO after Joana Vicente left.
David has worked in many important jobs in the movie industry.
He will lead the Sundance Film Festival and other programs that help independent filmmakers.
The Sundance Film Festival will move to Boulder, Colorado in 2027.
David is excited to help artists and make sure their stories are told.
He has been on many important boards and has a lot of experience in the film industry.
David Linde has been appointed as the new CEO of the Sundance Institute, starting February 17.
He succeeds Amanda Kelso, who served as interim CEO after Joana Vicente's departure in March 2024.
Linde will oversee all Sundance Institute initiatives, including the Sundance Film Festival and its transition to Boulder, Colorado in 2027.
Linde has a extensive background in the film industry, having held roles at Participant, Universal Pictures, Focus Features, and Good Machine.
He serves on the boards of several prestigious film organizations, including the American Film Institute and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
- Who
- David Linde
- What
- Named as the new CEO of Sundance Institute
- When
- Starts on February 17
- Where
- Sundance Institute, Boulder, Colorado (future transition)
- Why
- To lead all Sundance Institute initiatives and advance the mission of independent storytelling
- New CEO
- David Linde
- Start Date
- February 17
- Previous Interim CEO
- Amanda Kelso
- Previous CEO
- Joana Vicente
- Sundance Film Festival Transition
- Boulder, Colorado (2027)
- Linde's Previous Roles
- CEO of Participant, Universal Pictures chairman, co-founder of Focus Features, partner at Good Machine, CEO and owner of Lava Bear Films
- Boards and Trustees
- American Film Institute, British Academy of Film and Television Arts North America, Film Independent, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences