David Linde, former Participant president and Universal Pictures chairman, has been named CEO of Sundance Institute and will lead all aspects of the nonprofit organization and film festival, which will move to Boulder, Colorado in 2027.
Linde will replace interim CEO Amanda Kelso, who led the organization after former CEO Joanna Vicente retires in 2024. He will assume the role of permanent CEO on February 17th.
“For more than 40 years, Sundance Institute has played a formative role in shaping the careers of filmmakers and elevating independent work around the world, standing at the intersection of artistic excellence, audience impact, and industry importance,” Sundance Institute Chairman Ebbs Burnough said in a statement announcing Linde’s appointment.
“Throughout his career, he has demonstrated outstanding leadership, strategic vision and a shared commitment to independent voice,” Burneau continued. “David brings a rare combination of industry fluency, stewardship of social causes and a deep commitment to artists, positioning the organization to build on our legacy while advancing our mission for the future.”
Linde joins Sundance after serving as CEO of Participant. Prior to his role at the independent film and television studio (which will close in 2024 after 20 years of operation), Linde served as chairman of Universal Pictures and co-founder of Focus Features, as well as a partner in Good Machine and CEO and owner of Lava Bear Films.
“I am honored to join Sundance Institute as CEO and lead an organization that is vital to independent artists, the broader creative community, and culture as a whole,” said Linde. “I look forward to working with our staff, artists, partners, and board to further advance our forward-thinking program and festival, while ensuring that bold and original storytelling continues to thrive and the Institute’s true central role for creative storytellers and their champions continues.”
