After an impactful 28-year career, including 12 as CEO, Michelle Sobrino-Stearns is stepping down from Variety to launch a new fashion brand, marking a significant leadership transition for the iconic entertainment publication. Her departure paves the way for a new leadership trio to guide the “showbiz bible” into its next era of innovation.
A significant shift is underway at Variety, the revered “showbiz bible” for entertainment enthusiasts. After nearly three decades of dedicated service, including a transformative 12-year tenure as CEO and Group Publisher, Michelle Sobrino-Stearns is set to depart from the publication. Her last day will be November 17, 2025, as she embarks on an entrepreneurial venture to build a startup fashion brand from the ground up, fulfilling a long-held desire.
A Legacy of Transformation and Innovation at Variety
Michelle Sobrino-Stearns joined Variety in 1997. Her journey took a pivotal turn in 2012 when Penske Media Corporation (PMC) acquired the publication. Jay Penske, PMC’s Chairman and CEO, personally selected Sobrino-Stearns to lead the brand as publisher during a period of dramatic industry transformation. She made history as the first woman to hold the publisher title and, in 2020, became Variety’s first-ever CEO. This period of her leadership saw the publication evolve into a modern, multi-platform media powerhouse, greatly impacting how fans access their entertainment news.
“From the pivotal moment of PMC’s acquisition of Variety, Michelle’s fearless leadership, creativity and dedication have been instrumental in transforming the brand into the powerhouse it is today,” Jay Penske stated, emphasizing her significant contributions during a critical period for the publication, as reported by Variety. Her vision helped solidify Variety’s standing as the #1 entertainment news brand, even amidst significant challenges like pandemics and labor strikes.
Key Achievements Under Sobrino-Stearns’ Leadership:
- Launched the highly successful Power of Women event franchise, expanding to major cities like New York and Nashville.
- Instrumental in developing annual features such as Dealmakers and Power of Law.
- Drove the deal that brought Variety’s “Actors on Actors” interview series to television in 2014, becoming a fan-favorite for its insightful conversations.
- Spearheaded significant growth across digital, events, and branded content divisions.
- Expanded the live events portfolio to over 90 annual events and successfully pivoted to virtual formats during the pandemic.
- Created the Variety Content Studio and launched the top-rated iHeartMedia podcast “Variety Confidential.”
In a heartfelt memo to staff, Sobrino-Stearns expressed her gratitude: “For 28 years, working alongside the most passionate, creative, inspiring people in the entertainment business has been the honor of a lifetime. Brands are only as good as the people that bring them to life, who protect their integrity, and who guide them through growth, challenges and change.”
The New Leadership: A Trio to Guide Variety Forward
With Sobrino-Stearns’ departure, Variety is transitioning to a new leadership structure designed to continue its trajectory of growth and innovation. The reins will be passed to a dynamic trio, ensuring a comprehensive approach to both business and editorial strategies.
- Dea Lawrence, previously Chief Operating Officer and Chief Marketing Officer, will advance to Co-President and Publisher. Lawrence has been a pivotal figure in Variety’s growth, particularly in developing its robust slate of live events, branded content, and marketing initiatives. Jay Penske praised her as “an energetic leader, innovator and executive with a deep love for Variety,” noting her ability to “continuously inspire teams, embrace challenges, and execute with excellence.” Lawrence expressed her gratitude, saying she is “forever grateful to my mentor, partner and friend Michelle Sobrino-Stearns, who has defined the meaning of a visionary.”
- Ramin Setoodeh, who has served as Co-Editor-in-Chief since 2022, will now also take on the title of Co-President. In this expanded role, Setoodeh will assume greater responsibility for guiding Variety’s strategic direction and expanding its editorial footprint across new content areas, platforms, and international film festival programming. Setoodeh joined Variety in 2013 as New York film editor, steadily rising through the ranks.
- Cynthia Littleton will continue in her role as Co-Editor-in-Chief, jointly overseeing all newsgathering and editorial operations with Setoodeh. Littleton, who also joined Variety in 1997, is known for co-hosting Variety’s “Strictly Business” interview podcast since 2018 and recently launched the “Daily Variety” podcast.
This new leadership team will report directly to Jay Penske, Chairman and CEO of Penske Media Corporation, and Craig Perreault, PMC’s President of Media and Corporate Development. This structure aims to foster collaboration and ensure a unified vision for Variety’s future, as highlighted by the New York Daily News.
Impact on the Fan Community and the Future of Entertainment Coverage
For fans of classic films and the broader entertainment industry, Variety has long been an indispensable resource. Michelle Sobrino-Stearns’ tenure saw the publication embrace digital transformation and expand its multimedia offerings, making its in-depth reporting and exclusive insights more accessible than ever. Initiatives like the “Actors on Actors” series have become beloved by cinephiles, offering unparalleled access to the creative process of their favorite stars.
The new leadership has committed to building on this robust legacy. Setoodeh and Littleton expressed enthusiasm, stating: “As we look ahead to a vibrant future, we’re eager to build on Michelle’s legacy by expanding Variety’s reach and influence into new areas and new markets around the world.” This commitment suggests continued investment in diverse content and platforms, promising even more engaging and comprehensive coverage for its dedicated readership.
Dea Lawrence’s focus on events and branded content, combined with Ramin Setoodeh’s strategic editorial expansion into video, short-form content, and podcasting, signifies a proactive approach to evolving media consumption habits. For fans, this means a future where Variety continues to innovate how it delivers news, analysis, and exclusive content, ensuring it remains the definitive source for entertainment industry insights.
