Anonymous Content has named Darren Walker as its next president and CEO.
Walker, a former chairman of the Ford Foundation, will oversee all aspects of the production and management company. He will work out of Anonymous’ offices in both Los Angeles and New York.
“When I was approached about joining Anonymous Content, it became clear that this is a company defined by creative excellence, independent ownership, and the freedom to make long-term bets on artists and stories,” Walker said in a statement. “That independence puts Anonymous Content in a unique position to shape culture for decades to come, especially in moments of great change. I’m ready to get to work and move that legacy forward.”
On behalf of the Anonymous Content Board of Directors, Michael Klein said, “Anonymous Content has always been supported by great people and a belief in creative independence. We have deep confidence in the strength of this team and the direction of the company.”
Board member Anna Gorin added: “We are excited to partner with Darren Walker as CEO and believe that his leadership will enable Anonymous Content to support artists, expand our global ambitions and build on my father’s creative legacy that has defined the company for over 25 years.”
Walker’s addition to Anonymous means the company will receive a significant investment from social impact organization Emerson Collective to help grow the company.
At the Ford Foundation, Walker managed $17 billion in endowments and oversaw 500 employees across global operations. There, he executed a landmark $1 billion social bond to help stabilize nonprofits during the pandemic. He also helped resolve the Detroit bankruptcy and established a documentary film fund called Just Films, which supports emerging filmmakers in partnership with the Sundance Institute Directors Lab and the Tribeca Film Institute.
Walker is also chairman of the board of the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., where he oversees a $250 million annual budget. Prior to joining Ford, he served as Vice Chairman of the Rockefeller Foundation and is an accomplished attorney and capital markets expert. He currently serves on the boards of Ralph Lauren Corporation, the Obama Foundation, Bloomberg LP, the Clooney Foundation for Justice, and other major brands and organizations.
Founded in 1999 by Steve Golin, Anonymous Content is a production hub and management company representing over 200 directors, writers, actors and comedians. It is behind Oscar-winning films such as “The Revenant” and “Spotlight,” and is also behind the upcoming TV series “American Classic,” “East of Eden,” and “12 12 12.”
