Hollywood Radio and Television Society Elects New Chairman
The trade organization keeps executive leadership through 2028, providing stability for Los Angeles entertainment professionals.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in People
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The Hollywood Radio and Television Society (HRTS) has elected Albert Cheng, head of AI Studios for Amazon MGM Studios, as its new chairman. The organization, which represents over 2,000 entertainment industry members, will maintain its current executive leadership team for the next two years.
Why it matters
The leadership continuity signals a stable long-term strategy for the organization as it approaches its 80th anniversary in 2027. This stable governance impacts Los Angeles-based entertainment professionals who rely on the society for networking, industry events, and professional development resources.
The organization represents over 2,000 individual members across the industry. The newly elected executive board will serve a fixed term of 2 years, with CEO Melissa Grego extended through 2028.
The players
Albert Cheng
Head of AI Studios for Amazon MGM Studios and the newly elected chairman of the HRTS.
Melissa Grego
The chief executive officer of HRTS who has led the organization since 2017.
Tim McNeal
The president of HRTS who is serving his second term.
David Madden
The outgoing chairman of the HRTS board of directors.
Hollywood Radio and Television Society
A professional organization with over 2,000 members focused on the entertainment industry.
The details
Albert Cheng, who joined the HRTS Board of Directors in 2024, succeeds David Madden as chairman. Concurrent with this transition, the organization secured CEO Melissa Grego until 2028 and retained Tim McNeal as president for his second term. This board structure maintains existing operational oversight for the group of industry professionals.
Timeline
October 2017: Melissa Grego began serving as CEO.
2023: Tim McNeal joined the board.
2024: Albert Cheng joined the board.
2027: HRTS celebrates its 80th anniversary.
2028: Melissa Grego's contract term ends.
Market Landscape
The leadership stability marks a strategic preparation period for the organization as it approaches its 80th anniversary in 2027. This continuity follows a pattern of long-term governance seen in major industry trade groups aiming to maintain membership value during operational transitions.
Los Angeles-based entertainment professionals should track the board's upcoming programming initiatives to see how the change in chair impacts event focus. Members should monitor board communications for updates on 80th-anniversary milestone projects leading into 2027.
The takeaway
The election of an AI Studios executive signals a pivot toward technological integration in board-level industry discussions. Operators should monitor whether this leadership focus changes the criteria for professional development events and networking opportunities in the coming year.
Further reading
For more on shifts in local executive talent and trade group leadership, see People.
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