Col Needham, founder and CEO of IMDb, is stepping down after 35 years with the company, as announced on January 21, 2025. Needham will transition to the role of executive chair, while Nikki Santoro, the current chief operating officer, will assume the position of CEO.
- Col Needham steps down as CEO
- Nikki Santoro appointed new CEO
- Needham remains as executive chair
- IMDb launched 35 years ago
- Major changes during Needham's tenure
- Santoro praised for driving growth
Col Needham started building the database that became IMDb in 1990. He has served as CEO since its launch and continued in that role after Amazon acquired the site in 1998. Under his leadership, IMDb introduced major features such as IMDbPro and options for professionals to manage their profiles, including the ability to hide personal information like age.
As executive chair, Needham will continue to provide strategic guidance and consult on key initiatives for IMDb. He emphasized his confidence in Santoro, stating that her experience in driving growth and enhancing products makes her well-suited to lead the company into a new era.
Key facts about Col Needham’s tenure at IMDb include:
- Founded IMDb in 1990.
- Served as CEO for 35 years.
- Oversaw the acquisition by Amazon in 1998.
- Introduced IMDbPro and privacy features for professionals.
Needham’s transition marks a significant moment for IMDb, which has evolved into a leading source of entertainment information. His ongoing role as executive chair will ensure continuity as Santoro takes the helm, aiming to further develop the platform’s offerings.
In summary, Col Needham’s departure as CEO of IMDb after 35 years highlights a significant leadership transition. With Nikki Santoro stepping in as CEO, the company aims to build on its legacy while continuing to innovate in the entertainment information space.
