CEO Jim Berk appointed executive board chair of UCLA School of TFT

Jim Berk, CEO of global entertainment company Participant Media, was appointed executive board chair of the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television on Thursday.

As board chair, he will help advise the school’s staff and participate in shaping its future. The board partners with Teri Schwartz, dean of the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television, and the school to implement special initiatives, advance industry connections, increase funding and help to raise the school’s public profile, according to a school press release.

Berk, who has served on the board since 2009, has experience in the entertainment, education and leisure industries. Prior to joining Participant Media, he was president and CEO of Hard Rock Cafe International and founding executive director of the Grammy Foundation.

Some of the films that have been released by Participant Media since Berk joined the company in 2006 include “Waiting for Superman,” “The Help” and “Lincoln.”

Compiled by Amanda Wilcox, Bruin contributor.