Universal Vice Chairman & COO Rick Finkelstein Transitions Toward Retirement
BREAKING: Longtime Universal Pictures vice chairman and COO Rick Finkelstein will be transitioning out of that role as he heads for retirement in two years. He’ll work on special projects, with Ron Meyer, until he exits the studio upon retiring. Finkelstein, a 35-year vet who has spent the last 13 years at Universal, has held the vice chairman role since 2006, and in 2009 was given an enhanced advisory role when Adam Fogelson was appointed chairman and Donna Langley co-chairman. He has been responsible for overseeing worldwide home entertainment, TV and digital distribution and strategic alliances. Fogelson is beginning to search for a successor for Finkelstein, looking for execs with a variety of skill sets. Finkelstein stays in his role until they find someone to perform the functions of his post. It’s unclear if the new hire will get that vice chair/COO title.
I used to work for Rick, many moons ago. Smart, driven, and a good boss. Those studio COO jobs can be thankless, and by all accounts he’s done it remarkably well. I wish him all the best in his next act.
worked together-A TOTAL CLASS ACT
Congratulations and hat’s of to you miss Langley as you squeeze into those big girl shoes. They say that Universal is the largest dream factory on planet Earth, capable of hosting the largest of of all occasions in motion Picture. Can’t wait to see what you do with the place Over at Paramount Brad Grey steeped into the role with Microsoft’s back. We at the Soft are actively involved in key management and strategic decisions that plays an important role in the technical development of new
Good luck to you, Rick. He’s a great guy.
Worked with Rick during his DEG days. A terrific human being. Hope he has a wonderful and fulfilling retirement.
A brilliant, kind and tough-minded leader…Universal will miss him. I wish him and his family all the best.