Michael Lynton
Director since: 2019
Committee memberships: Executive Committee (chair), Finance Committee
Professional Experience: Mr. Lynton has served as Chairman of the Board of the Company since February 7, 2019. Mr. Lynton also currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Snap, Inc., a position he has held since 2016 after joining Snap Inc.’s board in 2013. Mr. Lynton also currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Schrödinger, Inc., a position he has held since October 2018 after joining the board of directors of Schrödinger, Inc. in January 2018. Mr. Lynton also serves on the board of Ares Management Corporation.
Previously, Mr. Lynton served as the CEO of Sony Entertainment from April 2012 until August 2017, overseeing Sony’s global entertainment businesses, including Sony Music Entertainment, Sony/ATV Music Publishing and Sony Pictures Entertainment. Mr. Lynton also served as Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures Entertainment since January 2004. Prior to joining Sony Pictures, Mr. Lynton worked for Time Warner, and from 2000 to 2004, he served as CEO of AOL Europe, President of AOL International and President of Time Warner International. From 1996 to 2000, Mr. Lynton served as Chairman and CEO of Pearson plc’s Penguin Group where he oversaw the acquisition of Putnam, Inc. and extended the Penguin brand to music and the Internet. Mr. Lynton joined the Walt Disney Company in 1987, and from 1992 to 1996, he served as President of Disney’s Hollywood Pictures.
Mr. Lynton also serves on the boards of the Tate, Channel 4, The Smithsonian, The RAND Corporation and Conde Nast.
Mr. Lynton holds a B.A. in History and Literature from Harvard College and received his M.B.A. from Harvard University.
Skills and Qualifications: Mr. Lynton brings beneficial experience and attributes to the Board, including his various experiences in the entertainment industry and advising and managing companies.