Walden Media — Who We Are
David Weil, Chief Executive Officer, Anschutz Film Group
David Weil was named CEO of Anschutz Film Group in 2004, where he oversees all facets of the company and works directly with the company's owner, The Anschutz Corporation, on strategic planning for Anschutz Film Group and general operational issues, as well. Prior to joining the company , Weil was an entertainment lawyer at O'Melveny & Myers for 25 years and the Managing Partner of the firm's Century City office, representing companies and individuals in virtually all areas of the entertainment and intellectual property fields.
Cary Granat, Co-Founder and Co-Chief Executive Officer, Walden Media
Before launching Walden Media in 2001, Cary Granat was president of Miramax Films' Dimension label. Under his direction, Dimension became one of the most recognizable brands in the industry, producing the successful Scream, Scary Movie and Spy Kids franchises. Prior to his tenure at Dimension, Cary managed the development and production of several MCA/Universal films, including the box office hit Babe.
Michael Bostick, Co-Chief Executive Officer, Walden Media
Micheal Flaherty, Co-Founder and President
Before co-founding Walden Media in 2001, Micheal Flaherty developed and taught an innovative program to help students from underserved school districts gain acceptance into Boston's elite exam schools. His work has been praised in such national publications as The Wall Street Journal and the Boston Globe hailed him as "an entrepreneur in education."
Francesca Lindley, Chief Financial Officer
Francesca Lindley has been Chief Financial Officer for Anschutz Film Group since 2004, heading up the company's financial operations. Prior to joining the company, Lindley served as CFO for the Screen Actors Guild and Miramax Films.
Jim Meenaghan, Executive Vice President of Business Affairs
Jim Meenaghan has served as EVP of Walden Media since 2004 and oversees business and legal affairs. He brings a unique background to the company, having previously served as Senior Vice President for Icon Films as well as legal counsel in the Walt Disney MotionPicture Group. Meenaghan began his legal career at the law firm of Morrison & Foerster LLP in San Francisco.
Gordon Tichell, EVP New Media and Strategic Marketing
Gordon Tichell oversees Walden’s education, outreach and interactive initiatives, working with teachers, museums and national organizations to develop supplemental educational programs and materials associated with its films and the original events and/or novels that inspire them. Over the last ten years, Gordon has also worked for USA Films, PolyGram Filmed Entertainment and Working Title Films.
Douglas Jones, Executive Vice President of Physical Production
Doug Jones oversees physical production and post production activities for Anschutz Film Group. Jones brings an extensive background in production serving as a line producer for many years before joining the company in 2004.
Francis Xavier Flaherty, Jr., EVP and Publisher, Walden Pond
Francis X. (“Chip”) has served as EVP of Walden Media since 2001 and further serves as Publisher for all of Walden Media’s original book publishing properties. As Publisher, Chip oversees both Walden Media/Penguin Young Readers’ Group co-publishing efforts as well as the recent co-publishing venture with HarperCollins Children’s Books, which has led to the formation of the Walden Pond imprint.
Since joining the company in 2002, Debbie Kovacs has overseen all editorial publishing activities for Walden Media and was instrumental in the 2005 formation of Walden's publishing joint venture with Penguin Young Readers' Group. Kovacs previously worked at Turnstone Publishing Group, Scholastic Inc., where she founded that company's software publishing group, and Children's Television Workshop (now Sesame Workshop), where she served as editor of Sesame Street Magazine. Debbie is author of more than 30 children's books, both fiction and nonfiction. Her work has been published by Viking, Simon & Schuster, Scholastic and others.
