Upworthy Appoints Amanda Farrand as New CEO
Amanda Farrand, an entertainment executive with experience at Imagine Entertainment and Reese Witherspoon's Hello Sunshine, has been appointed CEO of Upworthy, the digital publisher known for sharing uplifting stories. Farrand takes over from Max Schorr, who will focus on broader initiatives at parent company Good Worldwide. The appointment reflects Upworthy's strategic shift toward direct audience relationships, creator ecosystems, and content innovation.
Upworthy, a digital aggregator and producer of viral uplifting content founded in 2012, has named Amanda Farrand as its new CEO effective May 26. Farrand brings extensive entertainment industry experience, having served as EVP of business and brand development at Imagine Entertainment and previously as SVP of partnerships at Hello Sunshine, where she developed partnerships with major brands and expanded the Fair Play franchise into a multiplatform property. She replaces Max Schorr, who led Upworthy for over seven years and will now focus on broader growth initiatives at parent company Good Worldwide. Under Farrand's leadership, Upworthy aims to strengthen direct audience relationships and creator ecosystems while maintaining its mission to share stories that connect people and highlight shared humanity. The company reaches approximately 17 million people monthly across social and email channels through original reporting, syndication partnerships, and distribution via platforms including Yahoo and Apple News. Former Participant Media COO Gabe Brakin will also join as a strategic adviser.
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- VarietyCenter
Feel-Good Digital Publisher Upworthy Gets New CEO: Amanda Farrand, Alum of Imagine Entertainment and Hello Sunshine
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