Col Needham, the founder of IMDb, has announced his decision to step down as CEO, with current Chief Operating Officer (COO) Nikki Santoro set to succeed him in the role. This marks a significant leadership change for IMDb, which has been a leading source of entertainment data for over three decades.

Nikki Santoro, who has served as COO since 2021, will become the second CEO in the company’s 35-year history. She is also the first woman to hold this position at IMDb. Santoro, based in IMDb’s Seattle office, joined the company in 2016 and has previously worked at major companies such as Amazon, Microsoft, and The Weather Channel, bringing a wealth of experience to her new role.

Needham founded IMDb in 1990, and the company was later acquired by Amazon in 1998. Under his leadership, IMDb grew into the world’s most comprehensive and widely used entertainment database, becoming an indispensable resource for movie and television enthusiasts worldwide.

Although Needham is stepping down from his role as CEO, he will remain with IMDb as executive chair, offering strategic guidance and continuing to play an active role in the company. Needham will also retain his position as a board member for the non-profit organizations Into Film and Film Independent and will serve as the global brand ambassador for the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC).

In a statement, Needham expressed his pride in IMDb’s accomplishments and his confidence in Santoro’s leadership. He said, “I’m incredibly proud of what IMDb has become and the invaluable role it plays in the entertainment industry. I’m thrilled to pass the baton to Nikki, who has been a vital part of IMDb’s leadership team for several years.”

Santoro’s appointment marks a new chapter for IMDb as she prepares to lead the company into the future. She shared her excitement for the opportunity, stating, “It’s an incredible honor to lead IMDb into the future. I’m passionate about continuing the company’s mission to be the world’s most trusted source for entertainment information.”

As executive chair, Needham’s ongoing involvement in IMDb ensures that his vision for the company will continue to guide its future, even as Santoro steps into her new role as CEO. IMDb’s continued evolution under Santoro’s leadership will likely focus on expanding its influence in the entertainment industry while maintaining its reputation for providing reliable and comprehensive information.

Santoro’s leadership transition comes at a time when IMDb is exploring new opportunities for growth, both in its core business and through further integration with Amazon’s broader media and technology ecosystem. As CEO, Santoro will no doubt look to build on IMDb’s success and further cement its position as a leading force in the entertainment world.

With Needham continuing to offer guidance and Santoro now in charge, IMDb is poised to remain a key player in the entertainment data landscape for years to come.