Academy CEO Dawn Hudson was integral in the development of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. (photo by Brynn Mechem)

Dawn Hudson, chief executive officer of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, announced on Oct. 18 – just weeks after the opening of the Academy Museum – that her current term will be her last as the Academy’s CEO.

“After more than 10 years and the incredibly successful opening of our new museum, I’ve decided, when this term concludes, it will be time for me to explore other opportunities and adventures as this can hardly be topped,” Hudson said in a statement.

She said the organization has achieved so much during her time as CEO, including efforts to increase representation and inclusion, the adaptation of the Academy into a “digitally-sophisticated” institution and the development of the Academy Museum.

“The board of governors and I are mutually committed to a seamless transition to new leadership. I’m excited for what the future holds, for both the Academy and for me,” she added.

The Academy declined interview requests for Hudson and Academy Museum director Bill Kramer.

Hudson joined the Academy as CEO in 2011, and in 2012, the organization announced the launch of its capital campaign to build the museum.

“The Academy Museum will be a landmark that both our industry and our city can be immensely proud of,” she said at the time.

In her role, Hudson oversaw the Academy’s 450-person staff in Los Angeles, New York and London; operations and outreach, including awards, membership, marketing, communications, finance and technology; the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures; and the Academy Foundation.

The foundation includes educational initiatives, fellowships and grants, the Margaret Herrick Library and the Academy Film Archive.

With Hudson at the helm building and overseeing its financial assets, the institution has achieved advances in technology and the modernization of its infrastructure, which have enabled greater global outreach, member communications and events, online voting and streaming on the Academy Screening Room, and a significantly expanded social media presence.

Under her leadership, Hudson has driven significant diversity, inclusion and representation initiatives across the Academy membership, governance and staff. As a result, the Academy more than doubled the number of women and underrepresented ethnic/racial communities within its membership through the A2020 initiative, bringing in the most diverse class in the organization’s history at that time. Hudson also oversaw the creation of Aperture 2025, establishing inclusion standards for Oscars eligibility, to further the Academy’s efforts to advance representation in the entertainment industry.

“Dawn has been, and continues to be, a groundbreaking leader for the Academy,” Academy President David Rubin said. “Advancements in the diversity and gender parity of our membership, our increased international presence, and the successful opening of a world-class Academy Museum — a project she revived, guided and championed — are already part of her legacy.”

A search for Hudson’s successor will soon be underway, and she will have a vital role in the transition.