Marc DeBevoise, a former longtime CBS and ViacomCBS senior exec who went on to run video tech firm BrightCove as CEO, has been tapped as president of OverDrive.
The company works with libraries and schools, operating the Kanopy video streaming service as well as e-book platforms Libby and Sora.
DeBevoise was a central figure in the launch of CBS All Access and a number of other digital and streaming services, rising to the post of CEO of CBS Interactive and then at ViacomCBS Digital. (ViacomCBS was later renamed Paramount.) He was BrightCove CEO from 2022 to 2025.
An adjunct professor of digital strategy at New York University, DeBevoise also serves on the board of New York City non-profit youth development organization The Door .
“Every day, librarians and educators turn effort into impact. Marc shares that spirit, and his leadership will help us make Libby, Sora, and Kanopy even more user-friendly, more inclusive, and more joyful to use,” Steve Potash, founder and CEO of OverDrive, said in a statement. “He’s spent his career helping people connect with the stories and ideas that move them, and he’s joining us to help libraries and schools do what they do best, change lives through reading, viewing, and learning.”
Demand has been soaring for digital materials in libraries and schools, but those institutions often face daunting challenges given their financial resources. In his new post, DeBevoise will help lead OverDrive’s ongoing investments in technology and partnerships aiming to support educators, librarians and learners.
Kanopy has gained attention in entertainment circles with its unorthodox model. Supported by individual libraries, it offers 30,000 titles, a mix of recent and catalog films and episodic series, at no charge to those with cards at participating libraries. It reaches about 45 million people in the U.S., has distribution deals with a number of major connected-TV partners and last year started adding a small amount of original programming to its offerings.
“Libraries and schools are where curiosity becomes understanding,” DeBevoise said. “I am excited to support this community and to help OverDrive expand access to the full spectrum of stories and ideas available through the books, audiobooks, films, and documentaries that entertain and enlighten every reader and deepen learning for every student.”
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