Anonymous Content hires UCP president Dawn Olmstead, promotes David Levine

Dawn Olmstead

Defending Jacob and True Detective producer Anonymous Content has hired Universal Cable Productions (UCP) president Dawn Olmstead as its new CEO, and promoted former HBO drama head David Levine.

Olmstead will lead all management of the TV and film producer, with her appointment coming 18 months after the death of the prodco’s founder and CEO Steve Golin.

She had been at NBCUniversal’s UCP since 2018 and worked across scripted series including The Umbrella Academy for Netflix and The Act for Hulu, as well as partnering with Anonymous on Sam Esmail’s highly regarded drama Mr Robot for USA Network.

Laurene Powell Jobs, founder & president of Anonymous majority owner Emerson Collective, said: “Dawn is an accomplished leader who will usher in a new and exciting chapter for Anonymous by focusing on powerful content and stories that speak to this moment.

“She is not only entrepreneurial, strategic, and a producer at heart, she also embodies the soul of Anonymous Content—original, ambitious, boundary-pushing.”

Olmstead added: “Steve Golin built a special place that cultivates emerging and established talent, a company that is a cultural leader, that values innovation and creative expression through all forms of entertainment, from branded content, film, and television, to acting, writing, directing and more.

“I had the privilege of working with Steve and more recently with David Levine and the rest of the incredible team at Anonymous Content. I have seen firsthand the impact of Steve’s fearless and soulful influence on this truly unique company that seamlessly integrates top-tier talent management with premium content creation. I look forward to all that our future holds for Anonymous, and I’m thrilled to help guide that journey.”

Olmstead becomes the latest senior exec departure from NBCU, which has made a raft of changes over recent months as it switches its focus on streaming and newly launched AVOD/SVOD hybrid Peacock.

Defending Jacob

As part of the reshuffle, former Universal Television president Pearlena Igboke became chairman at Universal Studio Group with an enlarged remit.

She now oversees three divisions that require new heads: UCP, following Olmstead’s exit; NBCUniversal International Studios (NBCUIS), after Jeff Wachtel’s departure; and Universal Television, which she used to lead.

Igbokwe said: “Dawn’s pioneering spirit and keen eye for identifying fresh talent has been invaluable to the growth of the UCP brand. However, this is a wonderful opportunity for her, and we couldn’t be more supportive.”

David Levine

Levine promotion

In related news, Anonymous has promoted its president of TV David Levine to become chief creative officer.

Levine, who landed at Anonymous last year having been head of drama at HBO, will now oversee all creative for the company including TV series, films and branded content.

He reports into Olmstead and will also lead all development at the company, which has racked up an extensive slate that includes Home Before Dark and Defending Jacob for Apple, Homecoming for Amazon and Paradise Lost for the soon-to-launch Paramount+.