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Tubi CEO Anjali Sud joins the prestigious Summit Series keynote lineup
Anjali Sud, CEO of Tubi, is confirmed to join the Festival's Summit Series, a premium keynote speaker lineup featuring the boldest voices and the world's most influential media leaders. Recognized as a dynamic leader in streaming and media innovation, Sud will take center stage at BANFF's 46th edition this June.
The BANFF Summit Series, launched in 2019, has become the Festival's flagship program, spotlighting transformative thinkers and leaders shaping the future of media and entertainment. Sud's keynote promises to offer invaluable insights into the evolving streaming landscape, drawing on her groundbreaking leadership at Tubi, one of the fastest-growing streaming platforms in the world.
"Audiences around the globe increasingly value a premium entertainment experience that is also 100% free, fun and reflective of culture," said Anjali Sud, CEO, Tubi. "Tubi has built a large and growing fanbase by putting viewers first, and I'm excited to share our perspective at the Banff World Media Festival this year."
"Anjali Sud is a leader whose impact on the media and entertainment industry exemplifies the innovation and bold thinking that BANFF celebrates," said Sean Cohan, Chair of the Board of Directors, BANFF, and President of Bell Media. "Her insights will set the tone for a dynamic and forward-looking conversation about the future of media," said Sean Cohan, Chair of the Board of Directors, BANFF and President of Bell Media.
"Anjali Sud's impressive leadership at Tubi is inspiring, and we can't wait to hear her viewpoints on the global industry, from our main stage," said Jenn Kuzmyk, Executive Director, Banff World Media Festival. "BANFF is a vital meeting point for film and TV players from across the world, and our team is more focused than ever on bringing the most innovative and exciting business and creative minds to the Festival in June."
Anjali Sud is CEO of Tubi, America's most watched free TV and movie streaming service. Under Sud's leadership the company has exhibited exciting growth and momentum, scaling to over 80 million monthly active viewers, expanding globally and solidifying its position as a major entertainment destination.
Prior to Tubi, Anjali served as CEO of Vimeo (NASDAQ:VMEO), the global online video platform. During her six year tenure she took the company public and established Vimeo as the home for video creators and professionals worldwide, building a community of over 300 million users. Before that, she held various positions in e-commerce and media at Amazon and Time Warner.
Anjali has been featured in Fortune's 40 under 40, Crain's 40 under 40, Adweek's Power List, Variety's Power of Women, and The Hollywood Reporter's Next Gen Under 35.
Additional keynotes for the Festival will be announced in the coming months. Past Summit Series speakers include Rob Wade, Channing Dungey, Bela Bajaria, George Cheeks, Jeffrey Katzenberg, Paula Kerger, Pearlena Igbokwe, Ted Sarandos and Maverick Carter, to name a few.
BANFF is renowned for its vibrant mix of thought leadership, networking, and deal-making opportunities that take attendees behind the scenes of the industry's most talked-about appointments, projects and pivots as well as over 1,200 networking sessions and 25,000+ meetings, connecting global media professionals to foster partnerships and spark new collaborations.
BANFF announces new Board members from Banijay, Fifth Season and YouTube, alongside leadership updates
The Banff World Media Festival (BANFF) is thrilled to announce the appointment of new members and a new executive appointment to its esteemed Foundation Board of Directors.
Joining the BANFF Board are three distinguished industry leaders:
● Prentiss Fraser, President, Television Distribution, FIFTH SEASON
● Andrew Peterson, Head of YouTube Canada
● Jane Rimer, Senior Vice President, Canada, Banijay Rights
In addition, Patrick Vien, Group Managing Director, International at A+E Networks, has been appointed as Vice Chair of the Board, succeeding Brenda Gilbert, producer and Co-Founder of BRON Media who will be remaining on the Board of Directors.
BANFF also recognizes and thanks two retiring Board Members for their outstanding contributions:
● Sally Catto, General Manager of Entertainment, Factual and Sports, CBC
● Colin Bohm, Chief Executive Officer, Toon Boom Animation Inc.
These leadership changes come on the heels of Sean Cohan, President of Bell Media, being recently named Chair of BANFF's Board of Directors.
"This is a pivotal moment for BANFF as we continue to grow our impact on and service to the global media industry," said Cohan. "With the addition of such accomplished leaders to our Board, we are well-positioned to advance the Festival's mission of facilitating major business partnerships and fostering creative collaboration on new film, TV and digital projects. There is more to come as we lead up to the 2025 festival. Stay tuned."
BANFF names Bell Media's Sean Cohan as Board Chair
BANFF is thrilled to announce that Sean Cohan, President of Bell Media, has been elected Chair of the BANFF Foundation Board of Directors.
Cohan steps into the role following the tenure of Kevin Beggs, Lionsgate Television Group Chair & Chief Creative Officer, who served as Chair of the Board for three years. Beggs will continue to serve on the BANFF Board, ensuring his valuable experience remains an asset to the organization.
"I am honoured to assume the Board Chair position at BANFF. With a reputation as a robust event at the forefront of the conversations that matter most in our global industry, the Festival is primed for growth. I look forward to collaborating with the team and continuing the work of the incomparable Kevin Beggs to expand BANFF's global impact while showcasing the many opportunities Canadian companies, organizations and creatives bring to our industry," said Cohan.
"We're delighted to welcome Sean as the new Chair to guide BANFF into its next chapter. As the media landscape continues to evolve, Sean's forward-thinking vision and global perspective will be invaluable in shaping the future of the festival and fostering innovation across the industry," added BANFF's Executive Director, Jenn Kuzmyk. "We're deeply grateful for Kevin's incredible contribution over the last few years as Chair. His dedication has elevated the festival to new heights, strengthening its position as a premiere global media event. We're so pleased to have Kevin remain on board, continuing to lend his expertise."
"It's been a true privilege to serve as Chair of the BANFF Foundation Board for the last three years," said Beggs. "I have seen the Festival grow to be a place where integral conversations about the future of the industry happen, and where some of the world's most innovative creatives and executives gather. It's like no other event. I have no doubt that with the supremely talented Sean Cohan now at the helm, the Festival is in excellent hands."
Appointed President of Bell Media, Canada's leading media and entertainment company, in 2023, Cohan is responsible for Bell Media's globally unique portfolio of premium video, audio, out-of-home advertising and digital media. These include Canada's #1 broadcast network (CTV), its leading sports properties (TSN & RDS), #1 national and local news (CTV News), the largest-Canadian-owned video streaming service (Crave), industry-leading out-of-home advertising player (Astral) and audio platforms (iHeart Radio).
Cohan has spent decades in media and consumer businesses, including a 15-year tenure at A+E Networks ultimately in the role of President, International and Digital Media. At A+E, Cohan's teams were credited with driving global content, digital, and commercial transformation, and rapid growth.
Most recently, Cohan was Chief Growth Officer & President at Nielsen, a global measurement and data analytics giant. Cohan managed the strategy, corporate development, partnerships, and international efforts and teams and had a leadership role in its successful 2022 take-private transaction.
A purpose-driven leader, Cohan has a Bachelor of Arts, Economics from Harvard University, an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business, and holds several Board positions, including 8 years on the Banff World Media Festival Board of Directors. Cohan has twice been named to Savoy Magazine's Influential Black Executives in Corporate America list and its Most Influential Corporate Directors list.