The Academy also announced its newly elected officers and governors for the 2024-2025 term.
The Television Academy has announced the election of Cris Abrego as its chairman, succeeding Frank Scherma. Abrego, a creative entrepreneur and CEO of Hyphenate Media Group, is set to lead the Board of Governors for a two-year term starting January 1, 2024.
As an accomplished entertainment executive and award-winning producer, Abrego has played pivotal roles in overseeing independent production studios, notably as CEO of Endemol Shine Holdings and Chairman of the Americas for Banijay. With a career spanning over two decades, he co-founded 51 Minds Entertainment and is recognised as an early architect of the unscripted television genre.
In a statement, Abrego said: “I am honoured to step into this role and feel the significant weight of responsibility in leading the Television Academy into the future, especially in this transformative moment in our business. Our members represent one of the most powerful and exciting industries in the world — our content drives local and global economies and has a formative impact on our culture. As the entertainment ecosystem continues to undergo seismic shifts, I look forward to linking arms with our new officers and governors to lead our Academy and support our membership as we forge the path ahead together.”
The newly elected officers, set to serve a two-year term starting January 1, 2024, are Sharon Lieblein as Vice Chair, Rickey Minor as 2nd Vice Chair, Allison Binder as Secretary, and Ann Leslie Uzdavinis as Treasurer.
In addition to Abrego’s election, the Academy announced newly elected governors, each serving a two-year term through 2025, listed by peer group alongside co-governors continuing their service until December 31, 2024.
Furthermore, the Television Academy has extended the contract of President and CEO Maury McIntyre, now holding the title of CEO through 2026. Chief Financial Officer and newly appointed Chief Operating Officer Heather Cochran, along with Chief Marketing Officer and SVP of Media & Brand Management Susan Spencer, have also extended their contracts through 2025.
