Michael Burns (executive)

Michael Burns
Born	(1958-08-21) August 21, 1958 Long Branch, New Jersey, U.S.
Occupation	Entertainment executive
Years active	1980–present
Known for	Vice Chairman of Lionsgate

Michael Burns (born August 21, 1958) is a prominent American executive in the entertainment sector, currently holding the position of Vice Chairman at Lionsgate, a worldwide film studio and content provider. He became a member of Lionsgate's Board in 1999 and was appointed Vice Chairman the following year. Throughout his 22-year association, Burns played a key role in evolving Lionsgate from an independent film company into a multifaceted global entertainment enterprise.

Early life

Burns was born in Long Branch, New Jersey and spent his formative years in New Canaan, Connecticut. He completed his Bachelor of Science degree at Arizona State University in 1980 and later earned an M.B.A. from University of California, Los Angeles in 1992.

Career

Starting his professional journey as a sales representative at IBM, Burns transitioned into investment banking. Between 1985 and 1994, he occupied executive positions at Shearson/American Express, reaching the role of senior vice president by age 29. Subsequently, he was Managing Director and Head of Prudential Securities’ Los Angeles investment banking division from 1991 to 2000, specializing in equity financing within the media and entertainment industries.

In 1999, Burns joined the Board of Lionsgate during its early independent stage. Together with CEO Jon Feltheimer, he orchestrated a $33 million preferred equity financing that restructured the company’s capital. Soon after, he assumed the Vice Chairman role as Lionsgate broadened its reach.

Under their guidance, Lionsgate delivered both critically praised and financially successful films such as Monster's Ball, Fahrenheit 9/11, Crash, and the Saw series, which amassed $860 million globally. The studio also established major franchises including The Hunger Games and John Wick.

Lionsgate became publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange in 2004 and pursued growth through strategic acquisitions: Trimark Holdings (2000), Artisan Entertainment (2003), Lionsgate UK (2005), Debmar-Mercury (2006), TV Guide Network (2009), Summit Entertainment (2012), culminating with the $4.4 billion purchase of Starz in 2016—its largest deal to date.

The company’s television portfolio features acclaimed shows like Orange is the New Black, Mad Men, Power, and Mythic Quest. Additionally, Lionsgate expanded into location-based entertainment with theme parks and attractions across various continents and engaged in digital ventures such as the Atom Tickets collaboration with Disney and Fox.

In 2014, The Economist recognized Lionsgate’s innovative strategies and surprising market achievements, identifying it as a rising powerhouse within Hollywood’s competitive arena.

Other

Burns is a co-founder of Novica.com and the Hollywood Stock Exchange. Politically a moderate Republican, he has contributed to publications including The Huffington Post and Newsmax. He holds membership in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences and participates on the UCLA Anderson board of visitors. On December 11, 2014, Burns was appointed as an independent director to the Board of Directors at Hasbro, Inc..

He also contributes to the leadership council of the international first responder organization International Medical Corps. In March 2017, he was honored as Alumni of the Year by Arizona State University.

Personal life

Burns was married to actress Lori Loughlin from 1989 until their divorce in 1996. In 2006, he wed actress Pell James, and together they have three children.

External links

• Huffington Post
• Lionsgate Corporate Site Biography