Dan Scharf Leaves His Role as Head of Global Business Operations at Amazon MGM Studios Amid Decentralization Changes
Amazon is undergoing a restructuring of its studio’s business affairs team, a move that includes the departure of Dan Scharf as Head of Global Business Operations at Amazon MGM Studios. This change was communicated internally by Courtenay Valenti, Head of Film; Peter Friedlander, Head of Global Television; and Nicole Clemens, Head of International Originals at Amazon MGM Studios.
In a joint memo, the trio explained, “In line with the moves we’ve made over the past year to create three distinct studio operations, we will no longer operate with a centralized studios BA team. Instead, we will move forward with three teams, each embedded within our Film, TV, and International Originals studios, respectively.” They expressed confidence that this shift would streamline deal-making processes and reduce some layers of oversight, thereby better aligning business affairs teams with the divisions they serve.
Valenti, Friedlander, and Clemens are expected to provide additional information about their respective teams soon. In an update, Friedlander confirmed the appointment of Mandy Schaffer from Netflix as Head of Business Affairs for Global TV, while Valenti named Craig Muhlrad as Head of Film Business Affairs.
Scharf joined Amazon Studios in 2014, playing a key role in negotiating some of the studio’s most significant deals. He has been pivotal in projects such as Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, The Boys, Coming 2 America, and The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. In 2022, he was promoted from VP and global head of business affairs to his current position, where he also oversaw production, studio operations, casting, and studio music.
The memo concluded with appreciation for Scharf’s contributions: “Dan joined Amazon in 2014 and has been a foundational member of our leadership team at studios, helping grow the group from the 40 team members he had on Day 1 in Sherman Oaks and contributing to more talent and content deals than we could ever list in a single note. I know you’ll all join me in wishing Dan the very best in his next chapter and thank him for the incredible commitment he’s made to Amazon over the years.”
