In the reorganization of a major leadership in South South West, Jenny Conelli, Executive Vice President of Products and Technology at PMC SXSW, was elected by the SXSW Council to lead the Film Festival, Music and Long Technology Festival with the director of the responsible title. (PMC is also the parent company of diverse))
Konpeli supervised the digital, technological and implementation strategy in PMC since 2017, and previously spent seven years as CEO of Live Nation. His new position was announced in SXSW at the City Council meeting on April 25. Connellly replaces SXSW Hugh Forest, who left the company.
According to a statement issued by the PMC spokesman, Forrest took the “SXSW Leaving Decision” after he learned “that he would not receive the title of CEO of SXSW” and will report to Connellly. In a separate statement, Forest said his departure was “certainly not my decision.”
“I put my heart and soul in this event for more than 35 years – and I was looking forward to leading several other versions,” he said. “To this end, I will root a great time for the Austin team to go forward. The city, the country and the world need the positive energy provided by SXSW traditionally, you need now more than ever.” Forest started in the company in 1989; He also worked as a manager of the interactive part of the festival for several decades. (When I arrived before diverseForest had no comment beyond his statement.)
Other changes announced on Friday include promotional performances of Vice President SXSW EDU, Greg Rosenbum, to the head of programming for the entire SXSW festival; Senior Partnership officials Peter Lewis for the head of partnerships and strategy; And the director of SXSW Brian Hobbes for the vice president of the Music Festival. Meanwhile, the Lilian Park communications chief also leaves the company.
PMC and MRC partnership in obtaining a 50 percent stake in SXSW in 2021, when the festival was facing terrible financial conditions in the aftermath of Covid’s pandemic, and took full control of the festival in 2023. PMC spokesman said that the 2025 version of the festival “represents the highest care revenue ever in the history of the company.” After the launch of the SXSW Sydney event in Australia in 2023, the festival will appear for the first time SXSW in London in June.
