The Television Academy elects Cris Abrego as its new chairman
The Television Academy has elected Cris Abrego, CEO of Hyphenate Media Group, as the organization’s new chairman.
Abrego will succeed current Chairman Frank Scherma, who has held the position since January 2019. His two-year term begins on January 1, 2024.
“I am honored to take on this role and feel the great responsibility of leading the Television Academy into the future, especially at this transformative moment in our business,” Abrego said in a press release. “Our members represent one of the most powerful and exciting industries in the world – our content drives local and global economies and has a defining impact on our culture. As the entertainment ecosystem continues to undergo seismic changes, I look forward to working with our new officers and governors to lead our Academy and support our members as we navigate the path forward together.”
Abrego is CEO of the recently founded media holding and premium content studio Hyphenate Media Group, which he co-founded with his long-time employee Eva Longoria. Over the course of his career, he has led several independent production studios, most recently Banijay. Abrego served as Chairman of the Americas for the French multinational TV production and distribution company and served as CEO of Endemol Shine Holdings and co-founder of 51 Minds Entertainment. During his two decades in the industry, Abrego has helped produce thousands of hours of content for more than 200 series across network, cable and streaming television.
The newly elected chair has been a member of the Academy’s Executive Committee since 2021 and chair of the Television Academy Foundation.
Additionally, the Television Academy has elected Sharon Lieblein as vice chair, Rickey Minor as second vice chair, Allison Binder as secretary and Ann Leslie Uzdavinis as treasurer. These new officers were elected by the Board of Governors and will serve a two-year term from January 1 to December 31, 2025. The Academy also announced its list of newly elected governors who will serve a two-year term until 2025 along with their co-governors. The co-governors are currently in the middle of their two-year terms, which end on December 31, 2024.
That’s not the only change the organization has made. The TV Academy has also added the title of CEO to its presidential position, currently held by President and CEO Maury McIntyre. His contract was extended until 2026. Heather Cochran, chief financial officer and newly appointed chief operating officer, and Susan Spencer, chief marketing officer and SVP of media and brand management, will extend their contracts through 2025.
