Jean Prewitt, president and CEO of the Independent Film & Television Alliance, will step down by the end of the year after 25 years with the organizer of the American Film Market.

Prewitt had been considering a departure for some time, and it’s understood she remained with IFTA as the AFM relocated back to Los Angeles from Las Vegas.

“Driving IFTA through recent transitions — including AFM’s return to Los Angeles in 2025 and strengthening the independent industry’s capacity to meet change — has been immensely rewarding. This feels like the right moment to pass the torch as the Alliance prepares for its next chapter. I am proud of what we have accomplished together and optimistic about the opportunities that lie ahead for the Independents,” Prewitt said in a statement.

After a poorly received experiment in Las Vegas, AFM returned to Los Angeles for its 2025 edition at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Century City, just beside Beverly Hills. IFTA said an executive search for her successor has begun, and Prewitt will work with her replacement to ensure a smooth transition.

“Jean’s vision and dedication have been instrumental in shaping both IFTA and AFM into the global pillars of our industry they are today,” Clay Epstein, IFTA chairperson, said in a statement.

“Her leadership has navigated profound challenges while ensuring that independent film and television companies have a powerful voice and the resources to thrive in a constantly evolving business. It will be difficult to match her impact, but we are excited about the future for IFTA she has set in motion,” Epstein added about industry disruption impacting Hollywood and the AFM market.