Video-Game Rating Group ESRB Names Netflix and MPA Alum Orit Michiel President
Orit Michiel will become president of the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) on 2 November 2026, succeeding Patricia Vance, who is retiring after more than 20 years in the role. The appointment puts an experienced classification-policy executive in charge of the video game industry’s system for giving parents age and content information.
Michiel spent eight years at Netflix, where she led global content policy and helped develop its classification and maturity-rating system. Before that, she worked for 13 years at the Motion Picture Association, including as vice-president of legal affairs, and led an overhaul of US film rating and advertising guidelines. At ESRB, she will oversee ratings, industry advertising and marketing rules, its privacy certification programme and a board role with the International Age Rating Coalition.
In short
- Orit Michiel takes over ESRB leadership on 2 November 2026.
- She succeeds Patricia Vance after more than 20 years.
- Her remit includes ratings, marketing rules and privacy certification.
Explained simply
The Entertainment Software Rating Board, or ESRB, is a US organisation that gives video games age ratings and content labels to help parents decide what may be suitable for children. Its ratings are used across much of the North American games market, alongside rules for how games are advertised.
The ESRB also runs a privacy certification programme and works with an international group that coordinates age ratings in different countries. Its president oversees these areas and helps guide the organisation’s policies.
Entertainment Gaming Government Politics Software Technology TV