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- Who David Linde is and when he begins
- Leadership gap and the interim period at Sundance
- What Linde will manage at the Institute
- Career highlights that shaped Linde’s reputation
- Board roles and industry influence
- Expectations for Sundance’s future under new leadership
- Festival timing and the upcoming season
The Sundance Institute has appointed veteran studio and impact-producer David Linde as its new chief executive, signaling a strategic turn for the nonprofit that champions independent storytellers. Linde arrives with decades of studio experience and a record of supporting artist-driven films, just as the Sundance Film Festival prepares its final year in Park City before moving to Boulder in 2027.
Who David Linde is and when he begins
David Linde will assume the role of Sundance Institute CEO on February 17, 2026. His role will cover the Institute’s artist development work, public-facing programs and the Festival itself.
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- Start date: February 17, 2026, after the 2026 Festival concludes.
- Scope: Artist labs, grants, fellowships, Sundance Collab, global public programs and festival operations.
Leadership gap and the interim period at Sundance
The nonprofit has been led on an interim basis since its former CEO, Joana Vicente, left in 2024. Board member Amanda Kelso stepped in as acting CEO while the board conducted a search for a permanent leader.
Ebs Burnough, chair of the Institute’s board, praised Linde’s mix of industry know-how and commitment to independent voices. The board sees his hire as a way to build on Sundance’s four-decade legacy supporting filmmakers.
What Linde will manage at the Institute
As CEO, Linde will guide both programming and institutional strategy. Key responsibilities include:
- Overseeing artist labs and fellowship programs.
- Directing Sundance Collab and digital initiatives.
- Coordinating public programs and international partnerships.
- Managing the Sundance Film Festival and its relocation plans to Boulder.
Career highlights that shaped Linde’s reputation
Linde brings a long track record across studios, specialty labels and impact-focused production companies.
- Early in his career he ran acquisitions at Miramax and handled international distribution for major titles.
- He co-founded Good Machine and executive produced acclaimed films including international and indie hits.
- After selling Good Machine, he helped launch Focus Features and later led Universal as co-chair.
- For eight years he served as CEO of Participant, known for socially conscious films.
Participant closed suddenly in 2024, ending Linde’s most recent corporate leadership stint. Since then, he has consulted and executive produced projects across the U.S. and Europe.
Board roles and industry influence
Linde sits on several influential boards and has served in leadership capacities across major film institutions.
- Board of Trustees, American Film Institute (AFI)
- Board member, BAFTA Los Angeles
- Board of Directors, Film Independent
- Two full terms on the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences board, including service as Treasurer
These roles reflect a longstanding focus on artist support and building institutions that uplift cinematic storytellers.
Expectations for Sundance’s future under new leadership
Industry observers expect Linde to balance Sundance’s artist-first mission with operational goals tied to the Festival’s move and broader public engagement. His background in both commercial and impact-driven film could shape programming and partnerships.
- Potential emphasis on scaling artist support and international reach.
- Opportunities for new collaborations between studios, nonprofits and impact producers.
- Strategic planning tied to the Festival’s transition to Boulder in 2027.
Festival timing and the upcoming season
The 2026 Sundance Film Festival begins next week and will be the last to take place in Park City, Utah. In 2027, the Festival will relocate to Boulder, Colorado, marking a major logistical and cultural shift for the event and the Institute.
