The Sundance Institute has appointed a major Hollywood figure to lead it into a new era, naming former Universal Pictures chairman and Participant Media CEO David Linde as its new Chief Executive Officer.
A Strategic Appointment for a Pivotal Moment
The non-profit organisation announced the significant move on Thursday 15 January 2026. Linde is set to formally assume the role on 17 February, following the conclusion of this year's Sundance Film Festival. His appointment comes at a critical juncture for the Institute, which is preparing for the landmark relocation of its flagship festival from Park City, Utah, to Boulder, Colorado, in 2027.
"I am honoured to join Sundance Institute as CEO to steward an organisation that is essential to independent artists, the broader creative community, and culture at large," Linde stated following the announcement.
Leading the Festival Transition and Year-Round Mission
Linde's extensive remit will encompass two major areas. Primarily, he will oversee the complex logistical and cultural transition of the Sundance Film Festival to its new home in Boulder. Concurrently, he will manage the Institute's comprehensive year-round programmes, which are vital for nurturing creative talent. These initiatives include:
- Artist labs and development workshops
- Grants and financial support schemes
- Fellowships for emerging filmmakers
His deep industry experience is expected to be invaluable. A seasoned veteran, Linde co-founded the acclaimed studio Focus Features and has shepherded numerous Oscar-nominated and winning films throughout his career. Notably, during his tenure at Participant Media—which ceased operations in 2024—the company produced two Best Picture Academy Award winners: Spotlight and Green Book. He also served as a producer on the sci-fi drama Arrival.
Steadying the Ship for a New Chapter
The Institute has been operating under interim leadership since early 2024, when former CEO Joana Vicente stepped down. Amanda Kelso has been serving as interim CEO during the search for a permanent successor. Vicente had originally taken over from Keri Putnam in 2021.
The upcoming festival, kicking off next week, will be the final edition held in the festival's long-time base of Park City, Utah. This adds a layer of poignancy and significance to the event, marking the end of an era.
Ebs Burnough, Chair of the Sundance Institute Board of Trustees, expressed strong confidence in the selection. "David brings a rare combination of industry fluency, social cause management, and deep commitment to artists," Burnough said. "This positions the organisation to build on our legacy while advancing our mission for the future."
Linde's appointment signals a clear intent to blend commercial acumen with a steadfast dedication to artistic independence, as the Sundance Institute prepares to write its next chapter in a new location.
