Crunchyroll’s COO Brady McCollum Steps Down: A New Chapter Begins

In a surprising turn of events, Brady McCollum, who has dedicated 15 years to Crunchyroll, is set to bid farewell to the company. This transition is poised to bring a fresh dynamic to the anime streaming giant, marking the end of an era for one of its founding members.

The Passing of the Torch

Gita Rebbapragada, currently holding the position of Chief Marketing Officer, is set to take over as Crunchyroll’s Chief Operating Officer by the end of this month. This change comes as McCollum prepares to step down and embrace new horizons, leaving behind a profound legacy at the company.

Barb Bidan is another key figure in this reshuffling, stepping into an expanded role as Chief People Experience Officer. This role encompasses all aspects of the employee experience and corporate culture. Charles Valentine will join Bidan’s team as Senior Vice President, leading the Information Technology and Security departments.

Mitchel Berger, Senior Vice President of Global Commerce, is set to take on additional responsibilities, overseeing Manga publishing in the EMEA region, and enhancing the collaboration between home entertainment and manga. He will continue to lead various crucial aspects of Crunchyroll’s operations, ensuring a seamless transition.

Terry Li, the current head of Global Business Development, will embrace a more extensive role as Executive Vice President of Emerging Business. In addition to his existing responsibilities, Li will oversee the growth of Crunchyroll’s Games and e-commerce businesses.

A Journey Comes to an End

Brady McCollum’s journey with Crunchyroll began in 2008, making him one of the platform’s earliest members. Over the years, he ascended the ranks, eventually becoming Chief Operating Officer in August 2022. McCollum played a pivotal role in Crunchyroll’s international expansion and the successful rollout of its commerce division.

Reflecting on his departure, McCollum expressed mixed feelings, stating, “I would be hard-pressed to say this decision isn’t personally bittersweet; a key part of that is this immensely talented team, the strength and momentum of the business today, and the major opportunity ahead. However, it is also important for me to build versus grow, and I’m looking to create some new milestones and meaningful moments.”

Rahul Purini, President of Crunchyroll, shared his appreciation for McCollum’s contributions, saying, “Crunchyroll would not be what it is today without Brady’s contributions. He has been an extremely valued member of the team during that time, and I deeply appreciate his partnership and will miss his perspective and insights.”

Charting a Course for the Future

As Crunchyroll enters this new chapter, the leadership team is confident in the talent and experience of its executives, poised to harness existing synergies and continue delivering exceptional experiences to anime fans worldwide.

With a global presence in over 200 countries and territories, Crunchyroll boasts 12 million paying subscribers. As the company evolves, it remains dedicated to its core audience—the anime fan.

Brady McCollum’s departure marks the end of an era, but it also signals the start of an exciting new phase for Crunchyroll. As fans bid him a fond farewell, they eagerly await the adventures that lie ahead for both McCollum and the platform he helped shape.

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