Britt Hennemuth Exits Vanity Fair for SVP Role at Universal Pictures

Longtime Vanity Fair editor Britt Hennemuth is departing his role as the publication’s West coast director to join Universal Pictures.

Hennemuth has been named senior vice president of production development and special projects at the studio, where he will work with Universal’s creative team to “develop and oversee production on projects, foster connections with talent, and draw upon his extensive media expertise to advise other departments.” He will report directly to Universal Pictures president Peter Cramer, who announced the new hire on Friday.

“Britt is a true cinephile, and through his stellar work at Vanity Fair, he has been a leader in telling stories that help shape culture and amplify new voices,” stated Cramer. “His well-respected skills and experience will be the perfect complement to our team at Universal Pictures as we continue to bring a wide range of innovative films to global theatrical audiences.”

Added Hennemuth: “It has been an honor to come of age under Radhika Jones, Krista Smith and Graydon Carter, and work alongside the world class staff and contributors at Vanity Fair. I have been incredibly lucky to hold a ring-side seat to our changing culture for the last nine years. It is with the same enthusiasm and passion for storytelling that I will begin my next journey with Universal under Donna and Peter.”

During his tenure at Vanity Fair, which began with an internship in 2015, Hennemuth rose through the ranks, holding several senior editorial roles on the way to being named West coast director. In that role, Hennemuth helped lead talent relations and outreach for the brand across all platforms, including covers, portfolios, videos and events, curating both the magazine’s annual Hollywood Issue and the Vanity Fair Oscar Party.

Hennemuth, who is based in Los Angeles, is currently transitioning out of Vanity Fair and will begin his new role with Universal this summer.