Bob Daly Resigned as AFI Board Chairman
The former executive stepped down from his leadership position at the American Film Institute.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Film — General
Bob Daly has resigned from his role as Chairman of the American Film Institute Board of Directors. He announced the decision in a statement released on Wednesday.
Why it matters
Daly leaves the organization following a career that spanned decades across major media and sports institutions. His departure marks a leadership change for the American Film Institute, an organization established in 1967.
Daly led Warner Bros. for nearly 20 years, during which the studio achieved 16 consecutive years of record earnings. The studio produced 13 Best Picture Oscar nominees and three winners under his tenure.
The players
Bob Daly
He is a long-time media executive who held leadership roles at CBS, Warner Bros., and the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Kathleen Kennedy
She serves as the chair of the AFI Board of Trustees.
The details
Daly served as president of CBS for 25 years and led Warner Bros. as Chairman and Co-CEO for nearly two decades. He also spent four years as the Chairman and CEO of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Timeline
The American Film Institute was founded in 1967.
The resignation was announced on October 14, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
The departure follows a long tradition of industry veterans guiding major cultural preservation organizations like the American Film Institute. This transition signals a changing of the guard within the institutions that manage the legacy of the entertainment industry.
The change in board leadership is not expected to disrupt current screenings or programs managed by the American Film Institute. Fans and attendees should see no immediate impact on scheduled events or institutional operations.
The takeaway
Daly leaves behind a legacy defined by decades of stability in both the corporate media and sports worlds. His career highlights the long-term influence that individual executives can exert over major cultural and entertainment organizations.
Further reading
For more on the latest changes in the industry, visit our Film — General section.
