Teni Melidonian is exiting her full-time role as the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ chief Oscars officer, AMPAS CEO Bill Kramer revealed in an email to staff on Monday.
Per Kramer’s message, which was first reported by The Ankler, Melidonian is departing amid a restructuring that he said it taking place “immediately.” While Kramer wrote that Melidonian would be providing “guidance as a consultant for the next year,” her full-time role was being eliminated as the Academy’s Awards Production/Special Events and Talent Relations departments were moving under the umbrella of the Marketing, Communications and Content team headed by Jennifer Davidson.
Representatives for the Academy did not immediately respond to TheWrap’s request for comment. A source with knowledge of the move confirmed the staffing update with TheWrap Wednesday evening.
As part of the reorganization, Meredith Shea’s Membership, Impact and Industry team would take over member screenings and awards ticketing. The move, Kramer said, will consolidate “external-facing programs and relationships” under Marketing, Communications and Content, while allowing Membership, Impact and Industry to focus on member and industry relations.
“As we plan for the Academy’s 100th year as an organization, our 100th Oscars ceremony and our transition to YouTube and a new Oscars venue, it is critical that we align our teams in a way that supports both our immediate priorities and our long-term vision,” Kramer added.
He further touted the reorganization as one that would “strengthen collaboration” and make the Academy “well positioned for a strong and sustainable future.”
Nonetheless, Melidonian’s departure is notable, given her status as a two-decade veteran of the Academy. She first joined as publicist back in 2005, before rising the ranks as a communications and publicity lead. She later took control of the newly minted Oscars strategy division in 2022, where she first served as EVP. Melidonian was named the chief Oscars officer back in January 2024, which saw her directly reporting to Kramer.
She was praised as “creative and forward-thinking” at the time of her appointment.
In his recent memo, Kramer praised Melidonian for her “remarkable contributions over the past two decades,” adding, “Her dedication and partnership have helped shape countless Academy initiatives, and her impact on this organization will be felt for years to come.”
