Not two years into his tenure, Hayma Washington is exiting his role of chairman and CEO of the Television Academy.
A veteran producer, he had been in the top post of the Emmys institution since November 2016 following the exit of longtime topper Bruce Rosenblum. Since his election, Washington oversaw two Emmy telecasts. The decision behind not seeking a second term is said to be out of a desire to focus more on his producorial work. Variety first reported the news on Tuesday.
It’s not a particularly easy time for the TV Academy. While the genre is flourishing, with more series and platforms than ever before, the sprawling group’s flagship event has seen a persistent drop in viewership. The most recent Emmy telecast was its lowest-rated, and the latest TV rights negotiation with the Big Four broadcasters took much longer than expected.
“The Academy feels it is important that all of our nominees and winners get the respect and recognition they deserve,” Washington told The Hollywood Reporter in September. “Part of that respect and recognition comes from delivering the awards in an entertaining and engaging format. That’s always a balance.”
Washington’s credits before taking the reins at the TV Academy include work on The Amazing Race, Lay It Down and Hurricane Hunters.
“On behalf of at the Television Academy, I’d like to thank Hayma for his commitment over the past two years,” Academy president and COO Maury McIntyre said in a statement to THR. “His service and dedication have been appreciated during a time of both great challenges and great strides in our industry. The Academy is wonderfully positioned for the path ahead.”
