Akin Ceylan is a seasoned executive recognized for driving strategic initiatives, delivering exceptional results, and providing insightful leadership over his 26-year career in Media and Entertainment. He served over 20 years in senior executive roles, most recently as the COO of Home Entertainment and Global Content Delivery for Lionsgate (NYSE: LION).
Akin joined Lionsgate in October 2005, setting the strategic direction and architectural design for operations supporting the Motion Picture and Television groups. He was responsible for the global delivery of commercialized feature film and television content to theatres and all global digital content platforms, backed by a 20,000+ title library. He oversaw all activities related to technical operations, inventory, and manufacturing while leading distribution for theatrical, digital, and packaged media content, along with business systems development. He spearheaded supplier partnerships, operational P&L management, and governance strategy—driving revenue growth, cost efficiency, and performance optimization.
Before Lionsgate, Akin was SVP of Domestic Operations at MGM Studios, overseeing the Home Entertainment Group’s operational activities for North America. He played a key role in the development and start-up of distribution for the MGM library of content.
Akin spent nearly two decades in retail before transitioning into media, beginning his career in 1980 with Dixie Farms Markets. Over the years, he held multiple roles across store operations, analysis, management, and buying before joining MGM Studios in 1999.
Akin received his BSBA in Management from Chapman University Argyros School of Business and Economics in 1990 and a Certificate in Contract Management from the University of California, Irvine in 1995. He also practiced real estate as a Licensed California Real Estate Broker from 2008 to 2024.
Akin has served as a Trustee for Chapman University since 2014 and is currently Chair of the Real Estate and Campus Development Committee, Vice Chair of the Audit Committee, and serves on the Nominations & Governance and Compensation Committees. He also served as President of the Chapman University Alumni Association. Today, Akin serves on two company boards—one as an Independent Board Director, chairing the Governance Committee, and the other in a Strategic Advisory role. He further strengthened his commitment to effective board leadership and strategic oversight by attaining certification in Corporate Board Governance through Wharton’s Executive Education program.
Akin earned his executive leadership coaching credentials from the Columbia Coaching Certification Program (3CP) in July 2024, complemented it in January 2025 with a Neethling Brain Instrument (NBI) certification that measures thinking preferences, and also received certification through Emotional Intelligence Training Company (EITC) to administer, assess, and develop EQ-i 2.0 + EQ 360.
From his early days in retail to leading complex operations at Lionsgate, Akin’s career has been shaped by an ability to adapt, anticipate industry shifts, and drive meaningful change. A lifelong learner, he continuously seeks new ways to evolve—whether through executive leadership advising and coaching, real estate, board governance, or industry innovation.
Beyond his corporate achievements, Akin remains deeply committed to mentoring future leaders and driving excellence to achieve peak performance in everything he does.
