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SXSW Promotes Hugh Forrest to President as Jann Baskett Shifts to Advisory Role

SXSW promoted Hugh Forrest to sole president of the organization as Jann Baskett, current co-president and chief brand officer, prepares to step down.

Hugh Forrest has been promoted to president of South by Southwest, where he will continue to oversee programming and assume full leadership of an organization he’s worked at for 36 years. Forrest expressed his enthusiasm for leading SXSW into its next phase, emphasizing “the experience of connection, inspiration and discovery that we provide for so many different industries each March” and its role in fostering community globally. Looking ahead, we are confident that Hugh Forrest will continue SXSW’s long tradition of supporting innovators and artists, expanding our global footprint, and building upon the incredible foundation of the world’s premier gathering of creative minds.”

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