Forssell named Hulu acting CEO
March 15, 2013
By Colin Mann
Andy Forssell, the current SVP of Content at online video provider Hulu, is to step up to the CEO role on an acting basis when the current incumbent, Jason Kilar leaves at the end of March.
Kilar, who announced his intention to step down at the beginning of the year, confirmed the appointment in an e-mail to staff later made public on his blog.
Kilar said Forssell had been a critical senior executive who had been at Hulu “from the start of this great adventure” exemplifying the Hulu culture and having been central to Hulu’s journey, helping to grow the company from two content partners and no revenue to over 450 content partners and approximately $700 million revenue in 2012. “In his role, Andy has built strong relationships with many of our Board members. Andy has the Board’s strong support in leading the team during this important time,” he confirmed.
Kilar said that Hulu owners Disney and News Corporation were currently finalising their forward-looking plans with Hulu, with the senior team working closely with them in that process. Once the plans are finalised, a permanent decision would be made regarding the CEO position.
“As I mentioned to you all at the beginning of this year, Hulu’s focus remains on delivering a fantastic 2013 for customers and shareholders. Hulu is well on its way, with new records being set in Q1 across both revenue and subscriber additions. The unwavering focus on delighting Hulu’s customers is clearly showing up in the outputs of the business,” Kilar advised.