HRTS Elects Amazon MGM Executive Albert Cheng Chairman
The entertainment industry organization has tapped Albert Cheng to lead its board of directors for the next two years.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in People
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The Hollywood Radio and Television Society has elected Albert Cheng, head of AI Studios for Amazon MGM Studios, as its new chairman. Cheng succeeds David Madden in the role as part of a leadership update for the organization.
Why it matters
The change in chairmanship comes as the professional society positions its executive board to maintain its current operations. These updates are intended to provide organizational stability as the group approaches its 80th anniversary.
The organization maintains a membership of over 2,000 individuals, with the current executive board set to remain in place for a term of two years. Melissa Grego has extended her tenure as CEO through 2028, a role she has held since 2017.
The players
Albert Cheng
He is the head of AI Studios for Amazon MGM Studios and the newly elected chairman of the Hollywood Radio and Television Society.
Melissa Grego
She has served as the CEO of the Hollywood Radio and Television Society since October 2017 and recently renewed her contract through 2028.
Tim McNeal
He is the president of the Hollywood Radio and Television Society and is currently serving his second term.
David Madden
He is the outgoing chairman of the Hollywood Radio and Television Society whom Albert Cheng is succeeding.
The details
Albert Cheng joins the organization's leadership structure after serving on the Board of Directors since 2024. The transition sees existing leaders Tim McNeal and Melissa Grego retain their respective roles, ensuring continuity for the group's operations in Hollywood.
Timeline
October 2017: Melissa Grego began serving as CEO.
2023: Tim McNeal was elected to the board.
2024: Albert Cheng joined the board.
2027: HRTS celebrates 80th anniversary.
2028: Melissa Grego's contract term ends.
Market Landscape
This leadership shift reinforces the established organizational framework of the Hollywood Radio and Television Society board of directors. By maintaining consistent executive management, the society aims to strengthen its competitive standing among entertainment professional groups.
Individual members of the organization will see no immediate changes to existing programs or membership services due to this leadership update. The stability of the current executive board suggests a continuation of current industry networking initiatives through the next two-year cycle.
The takeaway
The election of Albert Cheng marks a planned transition for the organization as it looks toward its 80th anniversary. Professional groups in the entertainment industry often favor long-term contracts for their leadership to ensure stability during major milestone planning.
Further reading
For more on industry leadership updates, visit the People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Variety.
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