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SXSW Leadership Shakeup: Jenny Connelly Named Director as Hugh Forrest Exits

SXSW leadership changes are confirmed, with Hugh Forrest out as president and PMC exec Jenny Connelly taking over as CEO of the annual conference.

Hugh Forrest is out at South By Southwest, four months after assuming leadership of the music, tech and film conference, following a decision by the SXSW board to select Penske Media Corporation executive Jenny Connelly to lead the festival, Billboard has learned. Connelly, a longtime executive vp of product and technology at PMC and a SXSW board member, has been appointed director in charge of the annual event in Austin. The leadership change follows a recent announcement that next year’s conference will be on the shorter side, running from March 12-18, with interactive, film/TV and music programs happening concurrently.

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