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Col Needham steps down as CEO of IMDb

Col Needham transitions to executive chair as Nikki Santoro takes over as CEO of IMDb.

January 21, 2025 at 02:00 PM

Col Needham Steps Aside as IMDb CEO, Nikki Santoro to Replace Him

Col Needham hands over the CEO role of IMDb to Nikki Santoro after 35 years at the helm.

Col Needham Steps Down as CEO of IMDb

Col Needham, who founded IMDb in 1990, is stepping down as the CEO of the Amazon-owned platform. He will become the executive chair, providing strategic guidance while Nikki Santoro takes over as CEO. Santoro has been COO since 2021 and is the only second chief executive in IMDb's history. Needham noted that Santoro’s vision and commitment make her the right choice for leading IMDb into a new phase. IMDb, with 250 million monthly visitors, will celebrate this transition with an industry dinner at the Sundance Film Festival.

Key Takeaways

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Col Needham founded IMDb in 1990 and has led the site for 35 years.

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Nikki Santoro steps in as CEO, marking a key leadership change.

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IMDb continues to attract 250 million visitors monthly, showcasing its relevance.

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Santoro's prior experience at major companies suggests a focus on growth and innovation.

"After founding IMDb and serving as CEO for 35 years, I’ve chosen to transition into my new role as founder and executive chair."

Col Needham reflects on his long tenure as CEO while supporting Santoro's leadership.

"Taking on the role of CEO at IMDb is both a tremendous honor and an exciting challenge."

Nikki Santoro expresses her commitment to leading IMDb forward.

This leadership change signals a new chapter for IMDb, a site that has become essential for both entertainment lovers and industry professionals. Santoro's background in technology and her successful tenure as COO suggest that the company will continue to innovate and adapt. As Needham transitions to an advisory role, his long-standing contributions have set a solid foundation for future growth. However, this transition comes with significant expectations in an increasingly competitive landscape of digital entertainment platforms.