Donna Langley

Donna Langley was named co-chairman of Universal Pictures in October of 2009.   She works alongside Universal Chairman Adam Fogelson on all aspects of Universal’s business and production strategy.   Langley oversees feature film production, worldwide acquisitions, Focus Features – the studio’s specialized film division – and the studio’s relationship with the largest international production company, Working Title.

Langley has been with Universal since 2001.  She started as senior vice president of production and rose through the production ranks to president of production before her promotion to co-chairman in 2009.

Under Langley’s leadership in 2012, Universal had its highest grossing year at the worldwide box office in the company’s 100 year history besting the record set in 2008 while Langley was president of production.

During her tenure with Universal, Langley has been a driving force behind some of the studio’s biggest hits including the Academy Award®-winning Les Misérables, Ted, Snow White and the Huntsman, Safe House, Bridesmaids, Mamma Mia!, Knocked Up, Wanted, the Fast and Furious, Bourne and American Pie franchises.

Langley began her career at New Line Cinema, where she served as senior vice president of production before joining Universal.  While at New Line, she worked on films including the hit Austin Powers franchise, The Cell and Drop Dead Gorgeous.

Langley is a Global Ambassador for Vital Voices Global, an organization committed to mentoring women in developing countries throughout the world.  She is also on the advisory board of Chrysalis, a nonprofit dedicated to creating a pathway to self-sufficiency for homeless and low-income individuals by providing the resources and support needed to find and retain employment. Langley also serves as Co-Chair of Chrysalis’ Annual Butterfly Ball.  She helped start The Hollywood Reporter’s Women in Film Mentorship program.   Langley has also been regularly featured as one of The Hollywood Reporter’s Top 100 Women in Entertainment and as a leading British executive in Hollywood in The Sunday Times’ Reel Britannia.  In December 2011, Langley was honored with the Grace Kelly Award for her continued support of the March of Dimes.  In June of 2010, Langley was also honored by the Women in Film organization with the Crystal Award for excellence in filmmaking.

Langley lives in Los Angeles with her husband and their two sons.