ESRB Names Netflix and MPA Alum Orit Michiel as Next President

The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) has appointed Orit Michiel as its next president, effective November 2, 2026. Michiel, a veteran of Netflix and the Motion Picture Association (MPA), will succeed Patricia Vance, who is retiring after more than two decades leading the organization. The ESRB is the video game industry’s self-regulatory body responsible for assigning age and content ratings for video games and mobile apps in North America. Michiel’s background in streaming and film content regulation brings cross-industry expertise at a time when interactive entertainment faces evolving challenges around digital distribution, user-generated content, and global rating harmonization. Her leadership is expected to guide the ESRB through continued growth in gaming audiences and emerging platforms, ensuring that parents and consumers can trust the ratings system while supporting industry innovation. As Michiel steps into the role, the ESRB aims to strengthen its relevance in a rapidly changing media landscape, balancing industry needs with consumer protection and transparency.