Vice Chairman, Lionsgate

Michael Burns

Since becoming Vice Chairman of Lionsgate in March 2000, Mr. Burns has played an integral role in building the Company into a multibillion dollar global content leader with a reputation for innovation. In December 2016, he helped spearhead Lionsgate’s $4.4 billion acquisition of Starz, reflecting the studio’s evolution into a diversified global content platform.

Lionsgate’s portfolio of businesses features a film slate that has grossed over $10 billion globally over the past six years, driven by the critically-acclaimed La La Land and the blockbuster Hunger Games, Twilight Saga and John Wick franchises. One of the largest independent television businesses in the world, Lionsgate has been responsible for such iconic hits as Mad Men, Weeds and Nurse Jackie and Orange is the New Black.

Mr. Burns has also played a key role in the acquisition, production, and distribution of some of Lionsgate’s most successful films, including the Academy Award®-winning Best Picture Crash, the Academy Award®-winning Monster’s Ball and the Oscar®-nominated Precious.

Mr. Burns served for nine years as managing director and head of Prudential Securities’ Los Angeles investment banking office and nine years at Shearson/American Express (now Morgan Stanley).  He has been featured in major media outlets from CNBC to The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal.

Mr. Burns graduated with a B.S. from Arizona State University and received his M.B.A. from the John E. Anderson Graduate School of Management at UCLA where he serves on the Board of Visitors.  He joined the Hasbro Board of Directors in December 2014.