Hollywood
Christina Thomas to step down as BAFTA New York CEO
MUMBAI: The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) in New York announced that Christina Thomas will step down as chief executive on 1 July 2015.
Thomas will remain with the organisation in the newly created position of development consultant, where she will be responsible for expanding the non-profit’s funding resources by overseeing and implementing new approaches to fundraising that will increase revenues to support the strategic direction of the organisation.
Thomas – a founding member of the New York branch of BAFTA – was appointed the organisation’s first chairman in 1996 and remained in that position until 2006. In 2007 she was appointed to her current role of CEO. Under her leadership membership has grown to over 800 members. During her tenure she established, along with the support of the Board and various committee chairs, new programming strands such as the acclaimed ‘In Conversation’, ‘In Production,’ ‘Brits Who Cracked America’ and ‘The BAFTA New York Media Studies Scholarship Program’. As part of BAFTA’s global activity, Thomas was also responsible for overseeing annual events including the New York-based Film Awards Celebrations, the Television Awards Situation Comedy Nominees Party, NYTVF/BAFTA Rocliffe New Writing Forums and BAFTA Brits to Watch events.
Thomas said, “I have enjoyed serving as chief executive and I am particularly gratified to have played a role in raising awareness of BAFTA New York and contributing to the shared goals of BAFTA worldwide. I feel that now is the right time to hand over the reins to a new generation to continue to build the organization in New York. Development is an area that I have always enjoyed and now I will be able to devote all my time to this endeavour while supporting the organization’s mission and helping it grow even more.”
BAFTA New York chairman Charles Tremayne added, “Christina has been at the heart of BAFTA New York since it started. With her guidance the organization has grown from a small body of passionate individuals to one which helps position BAFTA as a leading advocate for the best in film and television in the US. This year we are on target to break our record and present over 80 screenings for our members, as well as numerous other professional events, while awarding more scholarships than ever before and attracting the highest membership in our history.”
Prior to BAFTA New York, Thomas was president of the US subsidiary of Primetime Entertainment, Inc. She was also SVP at Producers Group International, where she was responsible for program development, and global co-production and sales activities. Thomas is the founder and CEO of Jigsaw Communications a global finance and independent film distribution consulting agency.
Hollywood
Disney chair confident CEO Josh D’Amaro will ‘rise to the occasion’ in Trump–Kimmel row
Board backs new chief as ABC controversy tests leadership early on
NEW YORK: The Walt Disney Company has placed the responsibility of handling the escalating dispute between Donald Trump and late-night host Jimmy Kimmel squarely on its new chief executive, Josh D’Amaro.
Speaking at a business conference in Oslo, Disney chair James Gorman said it would be up to the CEO and his team to determine the company’s response to the controversy surrounding Jimmy Kimmel Live!. He noted that such challenges are not uncommon for large corporations and require careful handling at the leadership level.
The row intensified after both Donald Trump and Melania Trump publicly called for Kimmel’s dismissal following remarks made on his show. The comments, which referenced the First Lady, sparked backlash in the days leading up to a security incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.
Kimmel addressed the issue on-air, clarifying that his joke was intended as a reference to the couple’s age difference and not an incitement to violence. He also expressed sympathy for those affected by the incident and reiterated his stance against violent rhetoric.
Despite mounting pressure, Gorman refrained from offering specific guidance on the future of the show or the host. Instead, he voiced confidence in D’Amaro’s leadership, describing him as “world class” and capable of navigating the situation effectively.
The episode presents an early and high-profile test for D’Amaro, who stepped into the top role just last month. How Disney balances editorial independence, public sentiment and political pressure will likely shape not just the outcome of this controversy, but also the tone of its leadership in the months ahead.
