In a significant leadership change, IMDb's founder and CEO Col Needham is stepping down after an impressive 35-year tenure, the company announced on Tuesday. Needham, who launched the website in 1990, will transition to the role of executive chair, while IMDb's chief operating officer Nikki Santoro will take over as CEO.

Needham's journey with IMDb began in 1990 when he started building the database that would eventually become the go-to platform for entertainment information. Even after selling the website to Amazon in 1998, Needham remained at the helm, overseeing significant changes, including the rollout of IMDbPro subscription and an update that allows professionals to hide their age.

Santoro, who joined IMDb in 2016, has been instrumental in expanding the site's database and building out IMDbPro. Her promotion to COO in 2021 demonstrated her capabilities, and her new role as CEO marks a significant milestone in her career. According to IMDb's leadership page, Santoro has played a crucial role in driving growth and enhancing the company's products and services.

In his new role as executive chair, Needham will continue to provide strategic guidance, consult on key initiatives, and serve as a global ambassador for the company. This move will allow him to focus on high-level strategy while still being involved with the company he founded. In a statement, Needham expressed his confidence in Santoro, stating that her track record of driving growth and enhancing products and services makes her the ideal person to guide IMDb into a new era.

The leadership change is significant not only for IMDb but also for the entertainment industry as a whole. IMDb has become an indispensable resource for professionals and enthusiasts alike, and Santoro's vision for the company's future will likely have a profound impact on the way we consume and interact with entertainment information.

As the entertainment landscape continues to evolve, IMDb's role as a central hub for information and discovery will only become more critical. With Santoro at the helm, IMDb is poised to continue its legacy of innovation and excellence, shaping the future of entertainment information for years to come.

In conclusion, Col Needham's decision to step down as CEO marks the end of an era, but it also signals an exciting new chapter for IMDb. With Nikki Santoro's leadership and Needham's continued involvement, the company is well-positioned to navigate the changing entertainment landscape and remain a driving force in the industry.