As the Oscars ceremony prepares for its move to YouTube in 2029, chief Oscars officer Teni Melidonian is stepping down, AMPAS CEO Bill Kramer told staffers in an email, according to sources. Melidonian, who has been the lead liaison between the Academy and Disney/ABC, will continue on as a consultant for the next year.
Kramer wrote in his email, “Effective immediately, Awards Production/Special Events and Talent Relations will move under Jen Davidson and the Marketing, Communications and Content team. Member Screenings and Awards Ticketing will move under Meredith Shea and the Membership, Impact and Industry team.
“We are deeply grateful for Teni’s remarkable contributions over the past two decades,” Kramer continued. “Her dedication and partnership have helped shape countless Academy initiatives, and her impact on this organization will be felt for years to come.”
The Oscars will air on ABC for the last time in 2028 before moving to YouTube, which has exclusive global rights through 2033.
Melidonian previously served as executive VP of Oscars strategy. She started at the Academy in 2005 as a publicist and headed up communications and publicity before moving to head the Oscars strategy team. She previously worked in Washington, D.C., including for the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia.
