AMPAS CEO Bill Cramer told staff in an email that Oscar chief executive Teni Meridonian will step down as the Oscars ceremony prepares to move to YouTube in 2029, according to people familiar with the matter. Meridonian, who has served as the primary liaison between the Academy and Disney/ABC, will continue as a consultant next year.
“Effective immediately, awards production/special events and talent relations will be under the jurisdiction of Jen Davidson and the Marketing, Communications and Content team. Membership review and award ticketing operations will be under the jurisdiction of Meredith Shea and the Membership, Influence and Industry team,” Kramer said in an email.
“We are deeply grateful for Teni’s outstanding contributions over the past 20 years,” continued Kramer. “Her dedication and partnership have helped shape countless Academy initiatives, and her impact on this organization will be felt for years to come.”
The Oscars will last air on ABC in 2028, before moving to YouTube with exclusive worldwide rights until 2033.
Mr. Meridonian previously served as Executive Vice President of Strategy at Oscar. She joined the Academy in 2005 as a spokesperson, leading communications and public relations before moving to head up the Oscar strategy team. She previously worked in Washington, DC, including at the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia.
The Ankler newspaper first reported on the changes at the academy.
Please read the email below.
Dear Academy Team,
As we plan for the Academy’s 100th anniversary as an organization, our 100th Oscar ceremony, and our transition to YouTube and a new Oscar venue, it’s important to align our teams in a way that supports both our immediate priorities and long-term vision. Plans for these milestones are already well underway and we believe now is the right time to align related functions more closely to enhance alignment, efficiency and strategic alignment.
As we have done across the department over the past few years, we are further evolving our organizational structure. Effective immediately, awards production/special events and talent relations will move under Jen Davidson and the marketing, communications and content team. Member screening and benefit ticketing will now be under the control of Meredith Shea and the Membership, Impact, and Industry teams.
This structure aligns teams around shared priorities, capabilities, and expertise, with Marketing, Communications, and Content continuing to oversee external-facing programs and relationships, and Membership, Impact, and Industry remaining focused on global member and industry engagement. Together, these capabilities will strengthen our ability to deliver superior experiences to our members, industry partners, and movie fans around the world.
As part of this transition, Teni Meridonian will leave her full-time role at the academy and will coach as a consultant next year. We are deeply grateful for Teni’s outstanding contributions over the past 20 years. Her dedication and partnership have helped shape countless initiatives at the Academy, and her impact on this organization will be felt for years to come.
We know change is difficult, but we remain deeply grateful for the important work you do every day. The Academy holds a vital place at the heart of the global film and cultural community and is well positioned for a strong and sustainable future.
Thank you for your continued commitment to our mission and programs. If you have any questions, please let us know.
– invoice
