Lionsgate said on Thursday that it has appointed technology executive expert Kathleen Grace as its first chief AI officer.
Grace arrives from Vermillio, which claims to be the first AI platform built to license and protect IP and likeness, and will lead the studio’s AI strategy and execution. She reports to Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer and will be part of the senior decision-making team.
In her new role, Grace will work closely with Lionsgate vice chairman Michael Burns and other senior leaders to provide tools to serve the creative vision of its filmmakers, create opportunities for new efficiencies in production, marketing, distribution and administrative, and spearhead initiatives to protect the IP of the studio and its talent partners.
In late 2024 Lionsgate announced a partnership with applied AI research company Runway to train a proprietary AI model to serve its filmmakers.
“Kathleen understands the AI ecosystem from the perspective of creators and IP holders alike, and she is the right person to lead our team forward in this exciting, complex and nuanced environment,” Feltheimer said. “Her AI expertise and digital media savvy will help us grow alongside our talent partners as we create new opportunities, establish new safeguards, and execute new strategies.”
Grace added, “I look forward to collaborating with their team of executives focused on the AI space, supporting initiatives already underway while taking their AI strategy to the next level in its ability to expand the creative palette for their storytellers.”
As Vermillio’s chief strategy officer, Grace was responsible for ensuring that content owners and talent were able to track, authenticate, and receive compensation for the use of their work in AI models.
She previously headed New Form, a digital studio backed by Ron Howard, Brian Grazer and Discovery Communications, where she developed more than 40 pilots and sold nearly 25 series to networks and platforms including TBS, go90, Freeform, Quibi and Refinery29.
She also spearheaded YouTube’s global Spaces initiative, establishing creator studios in Los Angeles, New York, London, and Tokyo, and has earned creator credits on projects including Facebook Watch’s 365 Days Of Love with Sofía Vergara.
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