Gregory Goeckner, CEO of the Golden Globe Foundation, was ousted from his position on August 6 following a vote by the foundation's board, according to sources cited by Page Six. This development occurs just eight days after a group of former Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) members filed a $150 million lawsuit that named Penske Media CEO Jay Penske and Goeckner as defendants.
Sources described Goeckner's dismissal as a "coup" spearheaded by foundation board members Silvia Bizio and Raffi Boghossian. One source indicated the move was a power grab that proceeded without the involvement or approval of Jay Penske. The former HFPA members who did not transition to the new Golden Globes structure are suing to invalidate the 2023 sale of the Globes to Penske and Eldridge Industries, alleging they were unaware that Eldridge CEO Todd Boehly acted as a straw man for Penske until it was too late.
Goeckner, who previously served as general counsel for the HFPA before its sale, reportedly defied the faction of former HFPA members seeking to re-establish old practices, such as expense-paid trips and lavish gifts. A source close to the situation stated that Goeckner refused to transfer funds from the foundation back to these individuals, citing potential violations of nonprofit bylaws and Attorney General rules. This adherence to counsel's advice, according to the source, led to his termination.
Raffi Boghossian has announced his election as the new president of the Golden Globe Foundation via Instagram. The foundation, a nonprofit entity, manages approximately $55 million designated for charitable grants.
The lawsuit's claims target the 2023 transaction where Penske and Boehly acquired the Golden Globes, dissolving the HFPA and transferring its charitable work to the newly formed Golden Globe Foundation. Boghossian and Bizio were among the former HFPA members who joined the new organization.
Goeckner's removal places him in a complex legal position, as he and Penske are on opposing sides of the ongoing legal battle initiated by the former HFPA members. While Penske and PMC are represented by Latham & Watkins, Goeckner is reportedly seeking independent legal counsel. A spokesperson for Penske Media declined to comment on Goeckner's dismissal. A review of the Golden Globe Foundation's website shows Goeckner's leadership page is now empty, and he is no longer listed among the foundation's leadership.