The South by Southwest (SXSW) conference and festivals has announced that co-founder Roland Swenson has stepped into the role of executive chairman.
Meanwhile, chief brand officer Jann Baskett and chief programming officer Hugh Forrest become co-presidents assuming day-to-day leadership of the company.
SXSW was founded in 1987 by Roland Swenson, The Austin Chronicle’s Nick Barbaro, Louis Black, and Louis Jay Meyers.
Swenson has steered the event through 36 years of growth, culminating in the iconic global event it is today. The history of SXSW includes keynote speakers Barack and Michelle Obama, Johnny Cash, and Bruce Springsteen; legendary performances by Lizzo, Iggy Pop, and Billie Eilish; and historic film & TV festival world premieres Trainwreck, Short Term 12, and Everything Everywhere All At Once.
Swenson’s new role includes continued guidance over the business including an active role on the board of dzirectors, which includes investor Jay Penske and other executives from PMC, while Baskett and Forrest will take on leadership as the company looks forward to new growth opportunities, including the launch of SXSW Sydney in Australia next October.
Swenson said: “When we started SXSW in 1987 we dreamt big, but I’m not sure we imagined that the event would become the global gathering that it is today.”
“I’m so proud to see how the event has grown since the early days and am excited to move to a position that will allow me to focus on the aspects of SXSW that I’m the most passionate about. I’m also pleased to shift the running of the company to Jann and Hugh. I believe their proven leadership will mobilise us as we move into the future.”
Co-president Baskett said: “At SXSW, our purpose is to help creative people achieve their goals. After joining SXSW as Chief Brand Officer in 2016, I’ve been honoured to make that a year-round priority and look forward to carrying out Roland’s vision by continuing this work.
“Expanding our brand and ensuring that SXSW remains an inspiring experience for our participants is essential for us.”
Co-president Forrest said: “Overseeing the programming at an event like SXSW has provided a unique opportunity to connect with both our staff and our community, and I’m excited about expanding those connections and looking to the future of our business.”
“Being a part of SXSW affords us the opportunity to cultivate unique experiences around the world and as we expand on that goal, we continue to be in a positive position to elevate diverse and innovative voices across a variety of industries,” he added.
Both Baskett and Forrest will also continue in their current roles as chief brand officer and chief programming officer, respectively, shepherding their departments through next year’s event.
The executive leadership team at SXSW now includes Swenson, Baskett, and Forrest along with newly appointed chief strategy officer Carlos Kuri, who also serves as general counsel, and chief partnerships officer Peter Lewis.
The other members of the executive leadership team are co-founder and director Nick Barbaro, chief culture & people Officer Autumn Amescua, chief technology officer Justin Bankston, chief logistics officer Michele Flores, and chief financial officer Sheri Furley, plus executive vice president Darin Klein and executive vice president, operations support Frank Schaefer.
In August, Mediaweek announced its exclusive VIP tour of the SXSW festival, hosted by Greg ‘Sparrow’ Graham.
This partnership will see Mediaweek offer a custom experience designed and curated by Sparrow in Austin, Texas, to inspire with new tech innovations and maximise both attendees’ careers and overall experience while at SXSW.
The package will include travel, accommodation, tickets to SXSW, and exclusive experiences including an official happy hour function hosted by Mediaweek.
“I’m thrilled to be the host of the first Mediaweek Official SXSW Tour in Austin, Texas in March 2023,” he said.
“I love the city and can relate to its Keep Austin Weird motto. The SXSW Festival is awesome – it celebrates the convergence of tech, music, film and culture. Innovation and inspiration are literally on every corner, it’s the best festival in the world. As an Official tour, you will have an insider’s view, VIP access to tips and experiences, and the time of your life.”
See also: Mediaweek and Sparrow partner with SXSW in Austin, Texas for offical tour