Netflix executive Ginny Howe, who was named head of scripted series for the U.S. and Canada in August, has been added to this year’s Banff World Media Festival as the first confirmed keynote speaker of the year. The Banff Summit Series is part of the 47th annual Banff World Media Festival, which will be held this year from June 14th to June 17th at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel in Banff, Alberta, Canada.
“Ginny Howe’s leadership is helping shape the stories that audiences around the world see,” said Bell Media President Sean Cohan, who also serves as Banff’s board chairman. “Her work embodies the creativity, innovation, and global perspective that characterizes this festival, and we look forward to attendees hearing her insights first-hand.”
Howe has been with Netflix since 2018 and previously served as vice president of drama series. Series launched under her direction include the Emmy Award-winning limited series “Beef,” the Shonda Rhimes phenomenon “Bridgerton,” the critically acclaimed “Maid” and the much-talked-about “Indenting Anna.” Her directorial credits also include “The Night Agent,” “The Diplomat,” “The Lincoln Lawyer,” “His & Hers,” “XO Kitty,” “Sirens” and “Untamed.”
Upcoming on Howe’s Netflix dock: “Little House on the Prairie,” “The Altruists” starring Julia Garner and “The Hawk” starring Will Ferrell. Before joining Netflix, Howe spent 13 years at John Wells Television, most recently as vice president of television, where he worked on series including “Shameless,” “Southland” and “Animal Kingdom.”
Previous speakers for the Banff Summit Series include Chuck Lorre, Anjali Sadd, Jeffrey Katzenberg, Paula Karger, Rob Wade, Parna Igbokwe, Bela Bajaria, Keith Le Goy, Ted Sarandos, and Maverick Carter.
Spain has been named Banff’s “Country of Honor” this year. The Banff World Media Festival also announced the nominees for the 2026 Rocky Awards International Program Competition, to be held at the annual event on Tuesday, June 16th. The event, hosted by Alana Harkin (Full Frontal with Samantha Bee), will coincide with the Banff Gala Awards. See the full list of candidates here.
