Higher Ground Productions, founded by Barack and Michelle Obama, has named Anikah McLaren as its new Head of Film. McLaren transitions from her role as Executive Vice President of Narrative Film at Participant, where she co-led the department for over five years. In her new position, she will oversee the scripted film division at Higher Ground, reporting directly to President Vinnie Malhotra.

Former EVP of Nonfiction Programming at Showtime, Vinnie Malhotra, has joined the team at Higher Ground, the production company owned by President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama.