Dame Donna Langley-Shamshiri (born 1968 on the Isle of Wight, UK) is a British film executive who is Chairwoman of Universal Pictures. She was profiled in '' Variety''s "Power of Women" issue in 2014.

Career

Langley began her career as a production executive at New Line Cinema. In 2001, she became senior VP of production at Universal Pictures. In her time at Universal, Langley has overseen such film franchises as '' Fast & Furious'' as well as ''

Despicable Me ''Despicable Me'' is a computer-animated media franchise centering on Gru, a reformed super-villain (who later becomes a father, husband, and secret agent), and his yellow-colored Minions. It is produced by Illumination and distributed by ...

'' and the ''Bourne'' movies. Her work also includes overseeing the global specialty division, Focus Features, as well as DreamWorks Animation, acquired by Universal in 2016. Throughout her career, she has supported mentorship opportunities for women. Langley helped launch The Hollywood Reporter's Women in Film Mentorship program. She also serves as an ambassador and board member for the nonprofit

Vital Voices Vital Voices Global Partnership is an American international, 501(c)(3), non-profit, non-governmental organization that works with women leaders in the areas of economic empowerment, women's political participation, and human rights. The organi ...

. Langley was appointed

Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is a British order of chivalry, rewarding contributions to the arts and sciences, work with charitable and welfare organisations, and public service outside the civil service. It was established o ...

(DBE) in the

2020 New Year Honours The 2020 New Year Honours are appointments by some of the 16 Commonwealth realms to various orders and honours to recognise and reward good works by citizens of those countries. The New Year Honours are awarded as part of the New Year celebration ...

for services to film and entertainment.

Personal life

Langley is married with two children, and lives in Los Angeles with her family.

References

External links

Donna Langley
on universalpictures.com * * 1968 births 20th-century American businesspeople 20th-century American businesswomen 21st-century American businesspeople 21st-century American businesswomen American chairpersons of corporations American film studio executives American women business executives British businesspeople British emigrants to the United States Dames Commander of the Order of the British Empire Living people NBCUniversal people Universal Pictures {{US-film-bio-stub Women in Entertainment Power 100