David Linde Named Sundance Institute’s New CEO

The Sundance Institute has appointed David Linde to serve as their new CEO. Linde will assume the role on February 17. He takes over the role from Amanda Kelso, who became interim CEO following Joana Vicente’s departure from the Institute in March 2024. As CEO, Linde will lead all Sundance Institute initiatives, including artist labs, grants, and fellowships, Sundance Collab, public programs worldwide, the Sundance Film Festival, and the Sundance Film Festival’s transition to Boulder, Colorado, starting in 2027. “For over 40 years, Sundance Institute has stood at the intersection of artistic excellence, audience impact, and industry significance by playing a formative role in shaping the careers of filmmakers and uplifting independent work globally,” said Sundance Institute Board Chair Ebs Burnough. “Following a period of interim leadership, we are pleased to appoint David Linde as our permanent CEO. Throughout his career he has demonstrated exceptional leadership, strategic vision, and a shared commitment to independent voices. David brings a rare combination of industry fluency, social cause management, and deep commitment to artists, positioning the organization to build on our legacy while advancing our mission for the future.” Said Linde: “I am honored to join Sundance Institute as CEO to steward an organization that is essential to independent artists, the broader creative community, and culture at large. I look forward to working alongside the staff, artists, partners, and the board to further advance the visionary programs and Festival, while ensuring that bold, original storytelling continues to thrive and that the Institute’s truly central role for creative storytellers and their champions endures.” Watch on Deadline Formerly CEO of Participant, Universal Pictures chairman, a co-founder of Focus Features, a partner at Good Machine, as well as CEO and owner of Lava Bear Films, Linde has been a longtime advocate for artist-driven storytelling. Since the shuttering of Participant, the influential independent film and television production company dedicated to producing entertainment with social impact, he’s been consulting for film and media companies in the U.S. and Europe while also executive producing multiple titles. Linde serves on the Board of Trustees of the American Film Institute, the Board of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts North America, and the Board of Directors of Film Independent. He was elected to two full terms on the Board of Directors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, including as its Treasurer.

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