Dawn Hudson, CEO of Departure Academy, to members “Last Words” – The Hollywood Reporter
Dawn Hudsonwhose rollercoaster 11-year tenure as CEO of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences ended on Friday, praised her successor, Bill Krameras “a visionary leader” in an email to members of the organization The Hollywood Reporterfurther asserted, “Academy is in the best hands.”
Hudson is expected to remain in her position until July 18, but news leaked Friday that her assignment to Kramer has been moved up, and also a handpicked deputy. Hudson’s kidney, Christine SimmonsThe organization’s COO since 2018, was ousted during the transition to the new governing body.
In her statement, Hudson said it has been “a privilege of a lifetime” to lead the Academy, asserting that under her watch it has become “a truly global film organization, a world-class museum, an unwavering commitment to representation and inclusion, and a state-of-the-art Institute poised to lead in a changing world. “
The full email – sent with the subject line “Last Message from Dawn Hudson” – is as follows.
Dear Academy members,
I am delighted that Bill Kramer begins his term as Academy CEO starting today. He is a visionary leader who will unite and further enhance our global family of artists and will be a great partner for all of you. I have full confidence in the continued success of the Academy with Bill at the helm and I’m very excited for the next chapter of this extraordinary organization. The Academy is in the best hands.
How grateful I am to have served as your CEO for over 11 years and for sharing our deep collective love of film. Thank you for supporting me personally and professionally, for your willingness to support the Academy when it’s called – and you’ve been called a lot! – and your commitment to moving this organization forward in every way. The past decade has been a testament to how innovative and bold a legacy institution can be: we have created a truly global film institution, a world-class museum, a an unwavering commitment to representation and inclusion, and a state-of-the-art Institute poised to lead in a shifting world. Thank you for your time, passion, and expertise to help make all of this happen.
I stand ready to support Bill in any way I can, and I also know he and our newly elected Board of Governors will work together to map out the best possible route forward. It has been the privilege of a lifetime to be a part of this glorious endeavor. I leave with the deepest love, gratitude and respect for all of you.
With deep affection,
Dawn
