Bob Daly to Conclude Tenure as AFI Board Chair

After an impressive 17-year period of leadership, Bob Daly is scheduled to conclude his role as the Chair of the American Film Institute (AFI) Board of Directors. This transition marks the end of a significant era, with Daly’s departure set for the next trustee assembly on October 21. His career, spanning decades, has left an indelible mark across various powerful entities within the entertainment and sports industries.

Daly’s journey within the AFI began in April 1981 when he joined its Board. His elevation to Chairman occurred on October 8, 2009, succeeding Jon Avnet and John Cooke. Throughout his extensive professional life, which included steering CBS, Warner Bros., and even the Los Angeles Dodgers, Daly has consistently regarded his tenure at AFI as one of his most profound honors. He lauded the board's diverse representation of the film and television sectors, emphasizing their collective zeal for the art form.

His illustrious career in Hollywood saw him at the helm of some of the industry’s most influential organizations. Starting as a "gofer" at CBS in 1955, he ascended to the presidency, overseeing all television operations during his 25-year stint. In 1980, Daly transitioned to Warner Bros. as chairman and co-CEO. Alongside Terry Semel, he led the studio to 16 consecutive years of unprecedented financial success. Their leadership also coincided with the release of 13 Oscar-nominated films for Best Picture, three of which – “Chariots of Fire,” “Driving Miss Daisy,” and “Unforgiven” – clinched the coveted award.

Following his impactful time at Warner Bros., Daly served as chairman and CEO of the Los Angeles Dodgers for four years, eventually overseeing the team's sale in 2004. Beyond his corporate endeavors, he also dedicated his time as chair of the charitable organization Save the Children.

Bob Gazzale, AFI’s president and CEO, praised Daly’s leadership, describing it as an art form in itself. Gazzale acknowledged Daly’s unparalleled influence over the past four decades on AFI’s core missions: film preservation, celebration, and education. He affirmed the institute’s commitment to uphold Daly’s legacy and continue striving for excellence. Established in 1967, the AFI operates as a non-profit organization dedicated to safeguarding the cinematic legacy, honoring creators, and nurturing future generations of storytellers. The current AFI Board of Trustees is chaired by former Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy, and includes a host of distinguished personalities from the entertainment world, such as Steven Spielberg, Halle Berry, Ava DuVernay, and Christopher Nolan, among others.

The departure of Bob Daly signifies a pivotal moment for the American Film Institute, as it transitions from a period defined by his visionary leadership. His enduring contributions to the film industry, both through his executive roles and his philanthropic efforts, have cemented his status as a titan of entertainment.