Industry veteran David Linde has been appointed CEO of Sundance Institute as the 2026 festival (January 22-February 1) gears up for launch next week.
Linde, who previously led Participant, will assume his post at the non-profit on February 17. He will lead all areas of the Institute including artist labs, grants, and fellowships, Sundance Collab, worldwide public programmes, Sundance Film Festival, and the festival’s transition to Boulder, Colorado, starting in 2027.
Amanda Kelso had served as intermin CEO since April 2024.
“I look forward to working alongside the staff, artists, partners, and the board to further advance the visionary programmes 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,” Linde said.
“Throughout [Linde’s] his career he has demonstrated exceptional leadership, strategic vision, and a shared commitment to independent voices,” said Ebs Burnough, Sundance Institute board chair. “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.”
Prior to Participant, Linde served as chairman of Universal Pictures, co-founded Focus Features, served as a partner at Good Machine, and was CEO and owner of Lava Bear Films.
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