IMDb, the Amazon-owned online database that provides information about movies, TV shows and celebrities, announced Tuesday that its founder, Colonel Needham, is stepping down as CEO. Nikki Santoro, who has served as director of operations since 2021, has been named as his successor.
Santoro’s appointment is significant, as she is the first woman to become CEO and only the second person to hold the position. Needham founded IMDb in 1990, at the age of 23, making the company a powerhouse within the entertainment industry. After 35 years, he will take on a new role as executive chairman.
According to Needham, Santoro’s rise is well deserved. “Nikki’s strategic vision, deep understanding of our customers and products, and commitment to innovation have already delivered impressive business results during her tenure as COO. Her experience growing and improving our products and services makes her the ideal person to lead IMDb into a new era,” he said in a statement.
Santoro has been with the company since 2016, leading the company in expanding its database and improving its IMDbPro membership. She previously held leadership positions at Amazon, Microsoft and The Weather Channel.
