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Jon Feltheimer

Jon Feltheimer is an media executive serving as of , a position he assumed in March 2000 and continues to hold following the company's separation from its business in May 2025. Under his leadership, has evolved from a modest independent studio into a diversified global content leader with a library exceeding 20,000 titles, encompassing blockbuster film franchises, award-winning television series, and strategic acquisitions. Feltheimer's career in the entertainment industry spans over four decades, beginning in the mid-1970s when he transitioned from music and stockbroking into television production. He joined Entertainment in 1984, where he spent eight years building its television division from inception, producing low-budget hits such as Sledge Hammer! under the guidance of mentor Harry Sloan. In 1991, following 's acquisition of 's TV assets, Feltheimer moved to Entertainment as president of , later advancing to president of the Group in 1995 and head of . During his nine-year tenure at Sony, he developed successful series like , , , and ; expanded international production; launched over 30 branded channels; and orchestrated the 1997 acquisition of in partnership with and Apollo Management. Since taking the helm at , Feltheimer has driven key milestones, including the acquisition of (eOne) in 2023 and an increased stake in , while overseeing the studio's motion picture group, which has amassed more than $15 billion in global revenue and secured 71 . Notable successes include franchises such as and , Oscar-winning films like and , and Emmy-nominated series including and , alongside over 100 produced television series. In May 2025, he spearheaded the spin-off of into a separate entity, allowing to trade independently on the under the ticker LION, focusing on studio operations. Feltheimer also serves on the board of directors for and has been recognized with prestigious honors, such as the MIPCOM Personality of the Year award, induction into the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame, the NATPE Legacy Award, the Milestone Award, and the Humanitarian Award.

Early life and education

Birth and family background

Jon Feltheimer was born on September 2, 1951, in Brooklyn, New York City, United States. He is the son of Myron Feltheimer, a longtime executive in the mutual funds industry who managed a prominent branch office in New York, and Marcia Feltheimer. He has a sister, Jill. Feltheimer spent his early childhood in , in a household shaped by his father's career in finance and the family's relocation to areas like Roslyn on later in life.

Academic pursuits

Jon Feltheimer pursued higher learning at , enrolling in the early 1970s. He graduated in 1972 with a in , earning the degree with honors and completing his studies a semester early. During his time at Washington University, Feltheimer balanced rigorous coursework in with a strong personal interest in music, aspiring to become a professional .

Professional career

Early roles in entertainment

Feltheimer entered the entertainment industry in the mid-1970s after earning a degree in from in 1972, initially working in music management before transitioning to . In 1984, he joined New World Entertainment as a under owner Harry Sloan, marking his foundational role in TV operations at the independent studio. There, he focused on and amid limited budgets, helping to build the company's division from the ground up over eight years. During his tenure at New World, Feltheimer progressed to executive positions overseeing program sales and development, emphasizing cost-effective independent production. He played a key role in pitching and securing deals for shows like the satirical series Sledge Hammer!, which aired on in 1986 despite stiff competition. These efforts honed his expertise in domestic and international distribution. In 1991, following Sony Pictures Entertainment's acquisition of New World's television assets, Feltheimer transitioned to lead the relaunched TriStar Television as its president, bringing his team and focusing on domestic syndication and program distribution. Under his guidance, TriStar quickly established itself with hits like Mad About You, expanding its syndication portfolio and laying the groundwork for broader Sony television operations before the 1994 merger with Columbia Pictures Television.

Executive positions at Sony

In the early 1990s, Jon Feltheimer joined Sony Pictures Entertainment following the company's acquisition of New World Television's assets, where he was appointed president of TriStar Television in 1991 and later became president of Sony Television Entertainment, overseeing the Columbia TriStar Television Group, in 1995. Under his leadership, the group oversaw the development and production of several successful television series, including the long-running sitcoms Mad About You and The Nanny, as well as the teen dramas Party of Five and Dawson's Creek. These programs contributed significantly to the group's syndication portfolio, with Mad About You and Dawson's Creek achieving widespread popularity and strong ratings during their network runs before entering lucrative off-network syndication. Feltheimer's tenure emphasized strategic expansion of Sony's operations, diversifying into animated programming, , and online entertainment initiatives to adapt to emerging distribution trends. He drove international growth by increasing TV production abroad and facilitating the launch or in more than two dozen channels worldwide, enhancing Sony's global footprint. Key production deals included partnerships with entities like BGTV and Artists Television Group for content distribution, while the acquisition of in collaboration with and Apollo Management bolstered Spanish-language programming and U.S. market penetration. After approximately nine years in leadership roles at Sony Pictures Entertainment, Feltheimer departed in late amid unsuccessful contract negotiations, as he sought a higher executive position that was not offered following internal . His exit marked the end of a period that solidified TriStar's position as a major player in both domestic and international and .

Leadership at Lionsgate

Jon Feltheimer joined as in March 2000, bringing extensive experience from his nine-year tenure at Entertainment, where he headed the Columbia TriStar Television Group and orchestrated the acquisition of . In 2005, his role expanded to co-chairman alongside Michael Burns, a position he held until 2012 while continuing as CEO. Under Feltheimer's leadership, transformed from a modest independent studio into a global entertainment powerhouse, building a library exceeding 20,000 film and television titles and generating over $15 billion in worldwide revenue. The company's film division achieved critical acclaim, earning hundreds of Academy Award nominations and 71 Oscars, including Best Picture for Crash in 2006, as well as wins for La La Land, Monster's Ball, and Precious. Feltheimer oversaw the production of hundreds of films and tens of thousands of hours of television content, with key franchises like The Hunger Games and John Wick driving commercial success. Major strategic initiatives during his tenure included expanding film slates with a focus on diverse, high-impact releases and bolstering television production through licensing deals and original series for networks like . Key acquisitions included in December 2023 and an increased stake in . In 2024, Feltheimer led the separation of Lionsgate's studio business from its premium network, culminating in the spin-off completed on May 7, 2025, which created two independent publicly traded companies to streamline operations and unlock value. In August 2024, Lionsgate announced a five-year extension of Feltheimer's contract through July 31, 2029, affirming his continued oversight amid evolving industry dynamics. In November 2025, following the second quarter fiscal 2026 earnings report—which showed mixed results with revenue of $475 million, adjusted EBITDA of $14 million, and a net loss of $0.39 per share—Feltheimer highlighted a primed film and television slate positioned for strong growth over the next 18 months, while noting media merger and acquisition uncertainty as "incredibly disruptive" to strategic planning.

Other business affiliations

In addition to his primary role at Lionsgate, Jon Feltheimer has held advisory and board positions in the gaming and media sectors. He served as an advisor to , the parent company of , providing strategic guidance on media and entertainment integrations during the 2010s. Feltheimer joined the board of directors of in February 2015 as part of Lionsgate's significant investment in the narrative-driven video game developer. This affiliation facilitated explorations into gaming-entertainment crossovers, such as potential adaptations of Lionsgate properties like into interactive storytelling formats, bridging film and ecosystems. Feltheimer has served on the of since 2015. In May 2025, following corporate restructuring at , Feltheimer was appointed to the company's , where he continues to contribute to governance alongside his CEO responsibilities.

Philanthropy and recognition

Charitable contributions

Jon Feltheimer has been a significant supporter of Kehillat Israel, a Reconstructionist in , through the Feltheimer Family Foundation, where he serves as president. These contributions reflect Feltheimer's commitment to Jewish causes and synagogue-based educational efforts, motivated by his personal affiliation with the Reconstructionist movement. Under Feltheimer's leadership as CEO, has advanced corporate focused on and in the industry. The company launched the Producers Inclusion Committee (PIC) program in 2023, which develops pipelines for underrepresented talent in below-the-line roles, such as and positions, to foster greater equity. also established the Foundation, dedicated to expanding opportunities for students with through community partnerships and barrier-reduction initiatives. Additionally, the company maintains an program that matches contributions to a diverse array of charitable organizations, enhancing support for and community programs. Feltheimer's philanthropic activities through the family foundation have intensified since the , aligning with his expanded role at and focusing on and anti-bias efforts, including a $10,000 grant to the Holocaust Museum of Los Angeles in 2023 to combat anti-Semitism. The foundation has also supported broader educational causes, such as $75,000 to Brentwood School and $15,000 to The Painted Turtle camp for children with serious illnesses.

Industry and humanitarian awards

In 2010, Jon Feltheimer was named 's Personality of the Year, an accolade recognizing his leadership at and contributions to global entertainment through the development of award-winning television programs, including the acclaimed series . The award was presented during the international television in , , where Feltheimer delivered a keynote address emphasizing partnerships in the evolving media landscape. Feltheimer's industry impact has been further acknowledged through his 2012 induction into the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame, honoring his transformative role in television distribution and production. In 2014, he received the NATPE Legacy Award, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the industry. In 2015, he received the Producers Guild of America's Milestone Award for his executive achievements in advancing the entertainment sector. On the humanitarian front, Feltheimer received the Center's Humanitarian Award in 2016, the organization's highest honor, for his and support of human rights efforts, including backing for the . The award was bestowed at the center's annual National Tribute Dinner held at in Beverly Hills. His philanthropic donations to Jewish community institutions, such as Kehillat Israel synagogue, have been cited as key factors in these recognitions. In 2025, Feltheimer was listed in the Los Angeles Business Journal's LA500, an annual ranking of influential Los Angeles business leaders, for his sustained media influence as Lionsgate's CEO, where he has overseen the company's growth into a premier independent content creator with a vast library of over 20,000 titles. This marked his tenth consecutive year on the list, underscoring his long-term contributions to the entertainment industry.

Personal life

Family and marriage

Feltheimer married Laurie Demarest on April 9, 1999. The couple has four children and has resided in , , since establishing their family there. Their family life in the city aligns with Feltheimer's long-term professional base on the , where he relocated in the mid-1970s to advance in the entertainment sector, later taking on key executive positions at Entertainment and .

Community involvement

Jon Feltheimer resides in , , where he has owned luxury estates in prestigious neighborhoods such as Holmby Hills and Bel Air, integrating him into the city's vibrant social landscape. As a longtime resident, he maintains personal connections within the community's cultural and social fabric, reflecting his deep roots in the area. Feltheimer is an active member and supporter of Kehillat Israel, a Reconstructionist located in , where he engages in the congregation's religious and communal activities. This involvement underscores his commitment to Jewish community life beyond his professional endeavors. He shares this Los Angeles-based lifestyle with his wife and children.

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