Netflix’s Ted Sarandos Elected Chair of AFI’s Board of Directors (Exclusive)
Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos has been elected chair of the American Film Institute’s board of directors, succeeding Bob Daly, who held the role for 17 years. The appointment puts a leading entertainment executive at the head of a body that sets the Institute’s priorities and guides its national education programmes.
Sarandos was elected by acclamation. He has overseen Netflix content operations since 2000, led its move into original programming in 2013 and has been co-CEO since July 2020. The AFI board of directors serves as an executive committee of the board of trustees, chaired by Kathleen Kennedy; both include leaders from film and television.
In short
- Ted Sarandos will chair the AFI board.
- He succeeds Bob Daly after 17 years.
- The AFI boards guide priorities and education programmes.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Sarandos’s experience building a major film and television operation could bring industry insight, resources and influential connections to AFI as it sets priorities and develops education programmes. His election by acclamation may also suggest broad confidence among the board in his ability to guide the Institute.
The case against
Putting a leading entertainment executive in charge could raise concerns about whether AFI’s priorities and education programmes will remain sufficiently independent of the commercial interests shaping the industry. Even without evidence of improper influence, the appointment may prompt scrutiny of how the Institute balances the perspectives of large companies with those of filmmakers, educators and the wider public.
Explained simply
The American Film Institute (AFI) is a non-profit organisation that supports film and television through education, preservation and public programmes. Its national education work includes training and resources for people studying or making films.
The AFI’s board of directors helps set the Institute’s priorities and guide its programmes. It works within a wider board of trustees, chaired by filmmaker Kathleen Kennedy; both boards include people from across the film and television industries.
Ted Sarandos has worked at Netflix since 2000 and has helped shape its shift from distributing programmes to producing its own films and series. His appointment connects the leadership of a major streaming company with an organisation focused on film culture and education.