Sundance Institute Names David Linde as CEO

David Linde , former Participant head and Universal Pictures chairman, has been named CEO at the Sundance Institute , where he’ll lead all areas of the nonprofit organization and film festival, which moves to Boulder, Colorado, in 2027. Linde succeeds interim CEO Amanda Kelso, who led the organization after former CEO Joana Vicente’s departure in 2024. He will assume the role of permanent CEO effective February 17. “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 in a statement announcing Linde’s appointment. Popular on Variety “Throughout his career, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership, strategic vision, and a shared commitment to independent voices,” Burnough continued. “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.” Linde joins Sundance after serving as CEO of Participant. Before taking on the role at the indie film and TV studio (which shuttered after a 20-year run in 2024), Linde served as chairman of Universal Pictures and co-founder of Focus Features, as well as a partner at Good Machine and CEO and owner of Lava Bear Films. “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,” Linde stated. “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.”

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