Variety CEO Michelle Sobrino-Stearns Resigns After 28 Years
Michelle Sobrino-Stearns, the CEO and Group Publisher of Variety, will resign after 28 years with the organization. Known for her leadership in transforming the brand, she will transition to an entrepreneurial endeavor with a startup fashion brand. Her departure marks a pivotal moment in the history of Variety, which is celebrating its 120th anniversary.
Leadership Transition at Variety
Following Sobrino-Stearns’ exit, Dea Lawrence will assume the roles of co-president and publisher. Ramin Setoodeh has also been appointed as co-president, while continuing his responsibilities as co-Editor-in-Chief. Cynthia Littleton, who has been co-Editor-in-Chief since 2020, will collaborate with Setoodeh to oversee the editorial team.
Impact of Sobrino-Stearns
- Joined Variety in 1997 and became publisher in 2012.
- First woman to take on the publisher role at Variety.
- Assumed the position of CEO in 2020.
- Instrumental in launching key initiatives, including the Power of Women event and “Actors on Actors” interview series.
Jay Penske, chairman and CEO of Penske Media Corporation, praised Sobrino-Stearns for her visionary leadership. He credited her with modernizing Variety during a time of significant change. Her leadership played a crucial role in solidifying Variety’s place as a leading entertainment news powerhouse.
Future Directions for Variety
With Lawrence’s advancement, the brand anticipates continued growth. She is recognized for her contributions over the past decade, enhancing live events and branded content initiatives. Setoodeh will focus on expanding editorial strategies, which include new mediums like video and podcasts.
Key Initiatives Moving Forward
- Expansion into new editorial coverage areas.
- Development of video and short-form content.
- Continued growth of international film festival programming.
In a heartfelt message to the staff, Sobrino-Stearns expressed her gratitude for the talented individuals at Variety. She highlighted the importance of the team in maintaining the brand’s integrity and success over the years. As she embarks on this new journey in the fashion industry, she leaves a lasting legacy at Variety.
