Linde will take up the role on February 17, succeeding interim CEO Amanda Kelso, who stepped in after Joana Vicente’s departure in March 2024.
The nonprofit Sundance Institute has named film executive and longtime advocate for independent storytelling David Linde as its new Chief Executive Officer, with his appointment set to take effect on February 17, 2026.
In his new role, Linde will oversee the full breadth of the Sundance Institute’s activities, including its artist development labs, grants and fellowships, Sundance Collab, international public programmes, and the Sundance Film Festival. He will also play a central role in guiding the Festival’s planned transition to Boulder, Colorado, beginning in 2027, while advancing the Institute’s core mission of championing artists and connecting their work with global audiences.
Ebs Burnough, Sundance Institute Board Chair said: “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. 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 organisation to build on our legacy while advancing our mission for the future.”
David Linde, incoming Sundance Institute CEO, added: “I am honored to join Sundance Institute as CEO to steward an organisation 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.”
Known for his dedication to artist-driven storytelling, Linde has worked closely with leading filmmakers on numerous award-winning projects and has built and led teams across both independent and studio environments. His background includes founding and scaling organisations, as well as maintaining close and meaningful engagement with artists and the wider industry, bringing a values-led and strategic approach to the CEO role.
Since stepping down as CEO of Participant in 2024, Linde has consulted for film and media companies in the United States and Europe and served as an executive producer on several projects. During his tenure at Participant, an independent film and television company focused on socially impactful storytelling, he led the company’s overall strategy, content slate, advocacy efforts, operations and investments. His earlier career includes senior leadership roles as Chairman of Universal Pictures, co-founder of Focus Features, partner at Good Machine, and CEO and owner of Lava Bear Films, where he played a key role in building influential independent studios and expanding their international reach.
In addition to his executive career, Linde serves on the boards of the American Film Institute, BAFTA North America and Film Independent. He has also completed two full terms on the Board of Directors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, including service as Treasurer. Throughout his career, he has maintained a consistent focus on supporting artists, strengthening cultural institutions and advancing meaningful impact at scale.
