The Financial Times has announced the roster of senior executives who will take part in its upcoming Business of Entertainment Summit, scheduled to take place in Los Angeles this September. Among the speakers are high‑profile representatives from the video‑game sector, notably David Tinson, President and Chief Operating Officer of Electronic Arts (EA), and Tian Xiao, Head of North American Partnerships at Tencent Games.
They will sit alongside a distinguished line‑up from traditional media powerhouses such as Netflix, Sony Pictures, NBCUniversal, and the parent company of UFC and WWE, TKO Group. GamesIndustry.biz serves as a promotional partner for the event, working in conjunction with its parent organization, IGNE Entertainment. The summit is designed to explore the "forces reshaping entertainment," bringing together decision‑makers from every corner of the industry to discuss a wide array of topics that are redefining how content is created, distributed, and monetised. Key themes include the evolving landscape of media dealmaking, the development of franchise ecosystems that span games, film, television and live experiences, the growing global cultural influence of entertainment brands, the role of live events in audience engagement, the potential of artificial intelligence to enhance fan interaction, and the future pathways for content monetisation in an increasingly fragmented market.
During the program, David Tinson will appear on a panel dedicated to cross‑medium entertainment. The discussion will feature leaders from Universal Entertainment and narrative‑driven production studio Madison Wells, focusing on how intellectual property can be leveraged across games, movies, television series and even immersive live experiences. Tinson is expected to share EA’s strategy for turning blockbuster video‑game franchises into multi‑platform storytelling engines, highlighting recent collaborations that blend interactive gameplay with cinematic storytelling. Tian Xiao will contribute to a separate panel that examines the rapid ascent of Asian cultural exports on the global stage.
As the head of North American Partnerships for Tencent Games, Xiao will discuss how Chinese and broader Asian creators are influencing worldwide entertainment trends, the challenges of localising content for diverse audiences, and the strategic partnerships that are enabling Asian studios to reach new markets. The conversation will also touch on regulatory considerations, the importance of cultural authenticity, and the ways in which Asian gaming and media companies are shaping the future of global pop culture.
The summit’s keynote roster features several of the industry’s most influential voices. Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, will address the streaming giant’s approach to original programming and its impact on the broader entertainment ecosystem. Mark Shapiro, President and Chief Operating Officer of TKO Group, will discuss the synergy between live sports, combat entertainment and digital media.
Ravi Ahuja, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures, will share insights on the studio’s integrated strategy across film, television and gaming, while David Lee, Chief Financial Officer of Webtoon, will explore the monetisation of digital comics and their crossover potential into other media forms. Additional speakers include senior executives from Amazon Prime Video, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Disney, and Regal Global Entertainment, providing a comprehensive view of how traditional and emerging platforms are converging.
Representatives from major talent agencies—Creative Artists Agency (CAA), United Talent Agency (UTA) and Verve Talent & Literary Agency—will also be present, underscoring the importance of talent management in the evolving entertainment landscape. The event will be accessible both in person and via digital streaming, allowing participants worldwide to join the conversation. Tickets are currently on sale, and GamesIndustry.biz readers are eligible for a 20% discount by applying the promotional code GIB20 at checkout or by following the dedicated discount link provided by the organisers. This discount offers a cost‑effective way for industry professionals, analysts, and enthusiasts to engage with the thought leaders who are shaping the future of entertainment across multiple mediums.
Overall, the FT Business of Entertainment Summit promises to be a pivotal gathering for anyone interested in the intersection of gaming, film, television, live events and emerging technologies. By convening top executives from both the interactive and linear media sectors, the summit aims to foster dialogue that will help chart the next chapter of entertainment—one where collaboration, innovation, and cultural exchange drive growth and create new experiences for audiences around the globe.