Austin’s South by Southwest (SXSW) is entering a new chapter following the departure of long-time festival leader Hugh Forrest and several other key executives. Forrest, who served as SXSW’s president after a decades-long tenure, steps down amid a broader leadership overhaul reshaping one of the world’s most influential convergence festivals for music, film, and tech.
Key Leadership Notes:
- Hugh Forrest was promoted to SXSW president in late 2024, taking over from co-president Jann Baskett, who moved into an advisory position.
- Under his leadership, SXSW expanded internationally with sister events launched in Sydney and London.
- Forrest’s exit signals a major transition at SXSW’s helm, although the festival remains committed to its core mission of creativity and innovation.
SXSW 2025 Highlights (Preceding Changes):
- Featured speakers include former First Lady Michelle Obama and her brother Craig Robinson on March 13.
- Keynote appearances by Bluesky CEO Jay Graber and Grammy winner John Fogerty.
- The lineup showcases SXSW’s continued draw of cross-industry thought leaders and talent.
While communication team shifts and leadership changes are underway, SXSW is poised to maintain its reputation as a vital cultural platform connecting creatives worldwide. The coming months will reveal how the new management steers the festival’s legacy forward.
Source: Huge Changes in SXSW Leadership
