Empowering Women: Shaping the Future of Global Entertainment

As the entertainment industry navigates a period of transformation, the leadership of powerful women is poised to play a crucial role in shaping its future. This annual list from THR highlights the 31 most influential women in international television, whose vision and expertise are guiding the industry through a challenging landscape marked by layoffs, budget constraints, and a shift in priorities.

Trailblazers Redefining the Global Entertainment Landscape

Navigating Turbulent Times with Resilience and Innovation

The global entertainment industry has faced significant challenges in the past year, with layoffs and budget cuts impacting nearly every major studio and production company. In the face of this contraction, the executives on this list have had to find innovative ways to do more with less, restructuring their business operations and questioning long-established practices. Yet, they have remained steadfast in their commitment to the core principles of equity and inclusion that have guided them thus far.

Empowering the Next Generation of Industry Leaders

As the industry continues to evolve, the leadership of these powerful women will be instrumental in shaping its future. Jane Turton, CEO of production powerhouse All3Media, offers sage advice to young women entering the business: "Be yourself. Do not simply copy, mimic or try to emulate others. Don't be scared to voice your opinions and swim against the tide. It won't always work — but when it does, it's amazing."

Redefining Representation and Inclusion in Global Content

Many of the executives on this list are spearheading efforts to challenge the status quo and promote greater diversity and representation in the industry. Mo Abudu, CEO of EbonyLife Media in Nigeria, hopes to see an end to the "tokenism of Black content" internationally, where shows with Black characters and storylines "only get one chance, and then that's it for the next five years." Minyoung Kim, Netflix's VP of content for Asia Pacific, emphasizes the importance of trusting local expertise and embracing diverse viewpoints to better serve global audiences.

Driving Innovation and Adapting to a Changing Landscape

The executives featured in this list are not only navigating the industry's challenges but also driving innovation and adapting to the evolving landscape. Rola Bauer, head of Pan-English scripted SVOD TV at Amazon, notes that old-school ideas remain an obstacle to social progress, and she is committed to educating the "bullies" who mistake kindness and compassion for weakness.

Fostering Collaboration and Empowering Emerging Talent

Many of the women on this list are actively working to foster collaboration and empower emerging talent within the industry. Renata Brandão, CEO of Conspiração Filmes in Brazil, is expanding the company's global reach through co-productions and blending Latin American storytelling. Emiko Iijima, VP of anime production at Crunchyroll, is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of talent in the anime industry, drawing inspiration from the trailblazers who paved the way for women's recognition in the field.

Embracing Technological Advancements and Adapting to Changing Viewer Habits

As the entertainment landscape continues to evolve, these powerful women are embracing technological advancements and adapting to changing viewer habits. Carolyn McCall, CEO of ITV in the UK, is pushing for tech-driven efficiencies, including the use of generative AI to assist, but never replace, creative professionals. Verónica Fernández, director of content originals series and films at Netflix in Spain, is focused on finding or training the talent needed to meet the demands of the platform's ever-growing production slate.

Fostering Inclusive and Equitable Workplaces

Alongside their professional achievements, many of the executives on this list are dedicated to fostering inclusive and equitable workplaces within the industry. Helen Gregory, creative director at See-Saw Films in the UK, encourages young women entering the male-dominated TV industry to "speak up for themselves and their achievements without apologizing" and to understand that "supporting each other is a strength, not a weakness." Karen Thorne-Stone, president and CEO of Ontario Creates in Canada, emphasizes the need for funders and incentives to require diversity in content and the teams that create it, not just at the entry level but throughout the career progression.

Navigating Challenges and Seizing Opportunities in Diverse Global Markets

The executives on this list are also navigating the unique challenges and opportunities presented by diverse global markets. Zeinab Abu Alsamh, GM of MBC Studios in Saudi Arabia, has overseen the restructuring of the company to better serve the market and empower those with the right expertise. Miky Lee, vice chair of CJ Group in South Korea, has leveraged her Hollywood expertise to build CJ ENM into a driving force behind the Korean cultural wave, with global ambitions.

Championing Quality over Quantity in a Shifting Industry

As budget-tightening leads much of the global entertainment industry to pivot toward the safe and conventional, some of the women on this list are standing out for their continued focus on quality over quantity. Jay Hunt, creative director of worldwide video in Europe at Apple, is known for her commitment to curating a diverse slate of high-quality, critically acclaimed series, even as the industry grapples with the need to cut costs.