As the CEO and Group Publisher of Variety, Michelle Sobrino-Stearns has been instrumental in steering the iconic media company toward unprecedented success and innovation. Overseeing global editorial and business operations, she has transformed Variety from a daily print publication into a dynamic multimedia organization with a diverse portfolio encompassing digital, social, events, podcasts, and broadcast television.
Since assuming the role of Publisher in 2012, Stearns has led Variety to achieve twelve consecutive years of revenue gains and innovation, marking a period of unparalleled growth in the company's history. Under her stewardship, the brand has garnered recognition for excellence in journalism, receiving over 195 nominations and 40 wins from various associations in the past year alone.
Variety.com stands as a testament to Sobrino-Stearns' visionary leadership, consistently ranking as the highest-ranking entertainment business site and attracting an average of 29.1 million unique users each month in 2023. Stearns has been the driving force behind the creation of numerous Variety divisions and franchises, including the highly successful "Power of Women" event series and Emmy-winning television specials produced in partnership with Lifetime Television.
Her dedication to expanding video development has resulted in the creation of innovative series such as "Directors on Directors," "Doc Dreams," and "Artisans," showcasing the diverse talents within the entertainment industry. Sobrino-Stearns has also been at the forefront of introducing new areas of coverage on the web, including discovery tools like "What to Watch" and "What to Hear," as well as in-depth sections like "Docs" focusing on documentary filmmaking.
In recognition of her influential leadership, Stearns has received numerous accolades, including recognition as one of the most powerful and influential Latinos in entertainment by The Imagen Foundation since 2015. Editor & Publisher Magazine also named her one of the "10 Publishers Who Do It Right" in 2020, further highlighting her impact on the industry.
Beyond her professional achievements, Stearns is an active member of the community, serving on the boards of esteemed organizations such as the Aspen Institute Latinos and Society, City Year Los Angeles, and the UCLA School of Theater, Film, and Television.
In navigating the ever-evolving media landscape, Stearns emphasizes the importance of constant evolution as a brand. Through strategic investments in print, video, social, and branded content, she continues to propel Variety forward, setting the stage for future growth and innovation. As she paves the way for future female CEOs and executives, Stearns remains committed to advancing Variety's legacy as a leading voice in entertainment journalism.