Amazon MGM Studios is parting ways with division chief Dan Scharf amid an overall reorganization of the e-commerce giant’s studio division.
The company announced late Tuesday that under a new decentralized format, Mandy Shafer will become head of global television business and Craig Murad will become head of film business.
The decision was announced in an internal memo to staff on Tuesday by Courtney Valenti (Head of Motion Pictures at Amazon MGM Studios), Peter Friedlander (Head of Global Television at Amazon MGM Studios), and Nicole Clemens (Head of Originals at Amazon MGM Studios International).
Scharf’s departure comes as Amazon MGM Studios is “changing the structure of the studio’s operations team,” executives said. “In line with our move over the past year to create three separate studio operations, we will no longer operate with a centralized studio BA team, but instead with three teams, each embedded within our film, television and international original studios,” the memo said.
Scharf, a former public defender, joined Amazon in 2014. During his time as Head of Global Business Operations, he led major transactions including the relaunch of United Artists under Amazon MGM Studios and partnerships with Mr.Beast and Scott Stuber.
He previously held senior positions at SAG-AFTRA, Fox, Disney, and the Jim Henson Company.
Schaefer, a Netflix veteran, will join Amazon MGM Studios on June 8 as business director of global television, reporting directly to Friedlander. Julia Shapiro will temporarily replace Mr. Schaefer until his start date.
Schaefer joined Netflix in 2014 and spent nearly 12 years building and leading the streamer’s business operations. Most recently, he served as Vice President, Head of Series Business for the U.S. and Canada, where he oversaw the scripted, animated, nonfiction, and live sports teams.
Mr. Mufrad will report directly to Mr. Valenti and will be responsible for the film business division. Mufrad has been a senior business executive at Amazon’s studios since 2013, and has focused on film since 2020.
In addition, Bob Bowen, head of worldwide music, and Michelle Ou, head of studio operations and strategy, will both report to Valenti, and head of music business Krista James will report to Bowen.
The full internal memo from Amazon MGM Studios leadership to staff regarding Schaaf’s departure, obtained by Variety, can be found below.
On behalf of Peter Friedlander and Nicole Clemens, I would like to share the news that we are changing the structure of the studio’s operations team. In line with our move over the past year to create three separate studio operations, we will no longer operate with a centralized studio BA team and will instead proceed with three teams, each embedded within our film, television and international original studios. All three of us believe this will streamline transactions, reduce some layers, and allow BA teams and departments to work more closely together.
As a result of this change, Dan Scharf, who oversaw the company’s central operations team and many other departments for many years, will be leaving Amazon. Dan joined Amazon in 2014 and served as a foundational member of the studio’s leadership team, helping grow the group from 40 team members on day one at Sherman Oaks and contributing to more talent and content deals than can be described in one sentence. I hope you all join me in wishing Dan every success in his next chapter and thanking him for the incredible contributions he has made to Amazon over the years.
Each of us will be sharing details about the new structure with the group soon. If you have specific questions about how this change may impact future team collaboration, please feel free to contact us.
thank you,
Courtney, Peter & Nicole
