Michael Lynton
Chairman & CEO
Sony Pictures Entertainment
Michael Lynton became Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Sony Pictures Entertainment in January, 2004. He manages Sony Pictures' overall global operations, which include motion picture, television and digital content production and distribution, worldwide television channel investments and the development of new entertainment products, services and technologies. He and Co-Chairman Amy Pascal report to Sir Howard Stringer, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Sony Corporation.
Under the leadership of Michael and Amy, Sony Pictures' motion picture division has consistently exceeded $1 billion in domestic box office revenue each year, with the studio setting an all-time industry record of 13 #1 hits and more than $1.7 billion in theatrical receipts in the United States in 2006. Sony's Spider-Man 3, holds the crown for biggest domestic box office performance of 2007.
Prior to joining Sony Pictures, Michael worked for Time Warner and served as CEO of AOL Europe, President of AOL International and President of Time Warner International. During his tenure, AOL expanded into Asia and Latin America and became the world's largest online Internet service, operating in 17 countries and eight languages.
From 1996 to 2000, Michael returned to publishing and served as Chairman and CEO of Pearson plc's Penguin Group, where he oversaw the acquisition of Putnam, Inc. and extended the Penguin brand to music and the Internet. He helped lead the Penguin Group to new records in bestsellers, revenues and profits.
Michael joined The Walt Disney Company in 1987 and started Disney Publishing, serving as its President. While there, he launched Disney Adventures magazine. From 1992 to1996, he served as President of Disney's Hollywood Pictures, where he helped bring such films as The Horse Whisperer, The Santa Clause, Crimson Tide and Mr. Holland's Opus to the big screen.
Michael graduated from Phillips Exeter Academy in 1978 and attended Harvard, receiving his degree in history and literature in 1982. He worked for a time in an investment banking firm on Wall Street and returned to Harvard to attend business school, receiving his MBA in 1987.
In his spare time, Michael worked with Gary Ginsberg of News Corp and Jay Sanderson of JTN to compile a list of the "50 Most Influential Rabbis in America," which was published for the first time in Newsweek in April, 2007.
Michael's extensive involvement in charitable activities includes service as a member of the board of the Public Theater in New York City, the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. He also helped establish and sits on the board of Donors Choose, which helps "citizen philanthropists" fund specific projects in high need schools.
