The Sundance Institute has appointed David Linde as its new Chief Executive Officer. Linde will take up his post on 17 February 2026, assuming operational and strategic leadership of one of the world's most important institutions for independent filmmaking.

With Linde, the Sundance Institute has gained an experienced leader in the international film industry. The manager was previously CEO of Participant Media and Chairman of Universal Pictures, among other things, and is regarded as a high-profile player at the interface between creative independent cinema and global studio structures.

In his new role, Linde will be responsible for all Sundance Institute programmes, including the renowned Artist Labs, grant and fellowship programmes, the Sundance Collab digital learning platform and the Sundance Film Festival. The festival is currently in a phase of structural realignment, including the planned relocation to Boulder, Colorado - a process that will take place largely under Linde's leadership.

In making the announcement, the Sundance Institute Board of Directors emphasised that Linde's experience in building creative organisations and his close ties to filmmakers make him particularly well suited to further develop the Institute's mission and strengthen its international significance.

David Linde himself explained that he sees the Sundance Institute as a central platform for new voices in cinema and wants to further expand the organisation's role in a changing film and media market.

With Linde's appointment, the Sundance Institute is sending a clear signal in favour of a stronger link between artistic promotion and economic sustainability in the independent film sector.