USA (Commonwealth Union)_ Harvard University has appointed Indian-American media executive Anjali Sud to its Board of Overseers, following the departure of former Canadian Prime Minister and ex-Bank of England Governor Mark Carney. This significant leadership transition comes at a time when the university is grappling with increasing political pressure and legal challenges linked to academic freedom and international student policies. Anjali Sud, who currently serves as the CEO of Tubi, a free, ad-supported streaming platform boasting nearly 100 million monthly active users, will formally begin her term on May 30. Her election to one of the university’s highest governing bodies underscores her rising prominence in global media and education sectors.
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Sud takes the place of Mark Carney, who recently stepped down after assuming leadership of Canada’s Liberal Party. Her arrival adds a new perspective to the board as it navigates complex governance and institutional challenges amid shifting geopolitical climates. Born in 1983 in Detroit, Michigan, to Punjabi immigrant parents, Sud was raised in Flint and is an alumna of Harvard University. She has frequently spoken about her upbringing as a first-generation American and the role education played in her success. “My parents came to this country to give me a shot at the American Dream. I achieved that dream through the power of a transformative education, and I want to pay it forward for the next generation,” she said in a statement released prior to her election.
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Sud rose to national prominence during her tenure as CEO of Vimeo, where she led the company’s transition into a successful SaaS platform for video creators. Her leadership has been widely recognized; she has been featured in Fortune’s 40 Under 40, honored as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum, and named one of Hollywood Reporter’s “Most Powerful Women in Hollywood.” In addition to her role at Tubi, Sud chairs the board of Change.org and serves on the board of Dolby Laboratories. She is also a member of the executive committee of the development board at Phillips Academy Andover, where she actively supports financial aid initiatives.
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Sud’s appointment to the Board of Overseers comes at a pivotal time for Harvard. The university is currently entangled in a high-profile dispute with the Trump administration over federal demands for access to records of international students allegedly linked to recent campus protests. Harvard refused to comply, leading to a suspension of its international student exchange programs. The university has since filed a lawsuit challenging the directive. A federal court has issued a temporary stay on the suspension as legal proceedings continue. Sud has called for a “creative transformation” in education to address evolving global challenges. Her voice is expected to carry significant influence as the Board of Overseers continues its mandate of overseeing the university’s academic and institutional integrity.
In a parallel development, another Indian-American, Sanjay Seth, has been elected as a director of the Harvard Alumni Association (HAA). Seth, a Harvard dual-degree graduate in urban planning and public administration, currently serves as Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor for Climate and Equity at the US Environmental Protection Agency’s New England office. He will begin his three-year term on July 1, along with five other newly elected directors. The HAA Board plays a crucial role in fostering community and engagement among Harvard alumni worldwide. Seth’s experience in sustainability and climate policy is expected to enhance the board’s focus on social impact and global challenges.
The appointments of Anjali Sud and Sanjay Seth highlight the growing influence of Indian-Americans across sectors ranging from media and technology to governance and public service. Their leadership will likely shape Harvard’s future directions in both academic excellence and societal relevance. As Harvard navigates turbulent political waters and rising scrutiny, the presence of diverse and forward-thinking leaders like Sud and Seth on its governing bodies signals a commitment to inclusivity, resilience, and global engagement.
