James M. McNamara is the Chairman of Panamax Films, LLC, a motion picture production company targeting U.S. Hispanic and worldwide Spanish-speaking audiences. Until May 2024, McNamara was Vice Chairman of Hemisphere Media Group, where he oversaw Cinelatino, the largest and most widely distributed Spanish-language movie channel in the U.S. Previously, McNamara served as Chairman of Pantelion Films, a motion picture production and distribution joint venture between Televisa and Lionsgate, and Chairman of Pantaya, the largest and most successful U.S. Hispanic SVOD service until its sale to Televisa Univision in 2022.
In March 2012, McNamara was elected Chairman of the Hispanic Scholarship Fund, the nation’s leading organization supporting Hispanic higher education. He continues to serve as a member of the HSF Board. From 1999 to 2005, McNamara was President and Chief Executive Officer of Telemundo Communications Group, Inc. During his tenure at Telemundo, he sold the company to NBC and oversaw Telemundo’s transformation into the most dynamic producer of Spanish-language television content in the world. From 1996 to 1998, McNamara was President of Universal Television Enterprises, responsible for worldwide television distribution and production of shows like “Hercules: The Legendary Journeys,” “Xena: Warrior Princess,” “Sally Jesse Raphael,” and “Jerry Springer.” From 1991 to 1995, McNamara was Chief Executive Officer of New World Entertainment. He began his career at the sports management company International Management Group.
