The founder of IMDb steps down as CEO after 35 years.
IMDb, the online database owned by Amazon that provides information about movies, TV shows, and celebrities, announced on Tuesday that its founder, Col Needham, will step down as CEO. Nikki Santoro has been appointed as the new CEO.
Col Needham, the founder of IMDb, announced on Tuesday that he will step down as CEO of the online database, which is owned by Amazon and provides information about movies, TV shows, and celebrities. Nikki Santoro, who has been the Chief Operating Officer since 2021, has been appointed as his successor. This appointment is historic, as Santoro becomes the first woman to hold the position of CEO and only the second person to assume that role.
Needham, who created IMDb in 1990 at the age of 23, has led the company for 35 years, establishing it as a powerhouse in the entertainment industry. From now on, he will take on a new role as Executive Chairman. According to his statements, Santoro's promotion is well-deserved. "Nikki's strategic vision, her deep understanding of our customers and products, and her commitment to innovation have already delivered impressive business results during her tenure as COO. Her track record of driving growth and enhancing our products and services makes her the ideal person to guide IMDb into a new era," he stated.
Nikki Santoro joined IMDb in 2016, leading the expansion of its database and the improvement of the IMDbPro subscription. Prior to her time at the company, she held leadership positions at Amazon, Microsoft, and The Weather Channel.