David Linde Appointed CEO of Sundance Institute, Effective Feb 2026

David Linde, an experienced film executive and producer, has been appointed chief executive officer of the Sundance Institute.

The nonprofit organisation announced that Linde will assume the role on February 17, 2026, following the conclusion of the upcoming Sundance Film Festival.

He succeeds interim CEO Amanda Kelso, who has led the institute since 2024 after the departure of Joana Vicente.

In his new position, Linde will oversee the institute’s full range of activities, including its artist development labs, grant and fellowship programmes, public initiatives, digital learning platform Sundance Collab, and the annual independent film festival.

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One of Linde’s early responsibilities will be managing the festival’s planned relocation from Park City, Utah, to Boulder, Colorado, beginning in 2027. The move represents a major transition for the festival, which has been based in Utah for more than four decades and has played a central role in the global independent film ecosystem.

In a statement, Linde said he was looking forward to leading an organisation that has had a lasting impact on independent artists and storytelling. He noted that Sundance has long served as a critical platform for filmmakers and creators working outside the mainstream studio system.

Linde brings decades of experience across film production, studio leadership, and mission-driven media. He previously served as chairman of Universal Pictures and was the CEO of Participant Media, where he was involved in backing films focused on social issues. Earlier in his career, he co-founded Focus Features and helped guide the company’s growth into a major distributor of independent and international cinema.

Films associated with Linde’s career include Academy Award winners such as Spotlight and Green Book, as well as critically acclaimed titles like Arrival. His background spans both creative development and large-scale organisational leadership.

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Sundance Institute board chair Ebs Burnough said Linde’s experience and understanding of the film industry made him well suited to lead the organisation during a period of change. Linde’s appointment comes as Sundance prepares for its final festival edition in Utah and plans its next chapter in Colorado.