Lionsgate Names Chief AI Officer

Lionsgate has tapped leading AI executive Kathleen Grace as its first chief AI officer.

Grace previously served as chief strategy officer at AI company Vermillio, the first AI platform built to license and protect IP and likeness.

In her new role, Grace will report to Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer and be part of the company’s senior decision-making team. She will lead Lionsgate’s AI strategy and execution. She will work closely with Michael Burns, vice chairman, and other senior leaders to provide tools to serve the creative vision of its filmmakers; create opportunities for new efficiencies in productions, marketing, distribution and administrative operations; and spearhead initiatives to protect the IP of the studio and its talent partners.

“Kathleen understands the AI ecosystem from the perspective of creators and IP holders alike, and she is the right person to lead our team forward in this exciting, complex and nuanced environment,” Feltheimer said. “Her AI expertise and digital media savvy will help us grow alongside our talent partners as we create new opportunities, establish new safeguards and execute new strategies.”

“We’re proud to see Kathleen step into a pioneering role as the first chief AI officer at a Hollywood studio,” commented Dan Neely, co-founder and CEO of Vermillio. “She’s been a valued part of Vermillio’s growth, and we’re excited to see her use her experience to help shape the future of AI in Hollywood.”

“I’m very excited to become part of the team at Lionsgate,” Grace added. “They have amazing creative partners, a rich and diverse portfolio of IP, an entrepreneurial and forward-looking culture and a willingness to adapt to and embrace new technologies. “I look forward to collaborating with their team of executives focused on the AI space, supporting initiatives already underway while taking their AI strategy to the next level in its ability to expand the creative palette for their storytellers.”