AUSTIN, Texas — Hugh Forrest, president of South by Southwest, is no longer leading one of the biggest festivals and conferences in Texas.

According to reports from the Austin-American Statesman, Forrest was terminated after only just coming on board as president last year. He also served as SXSW co-president since 2022.

Forrest's role seems to be part of a series of mass layoffs by P-MRC Holdings, LLC, a venture owned by MRC and Penske Media Corporation, according to several reports.

Another departure from SXSW is Vice President and Head of Music James Minor, who told the Statesman his reason for departure was personal.

“I was not part of this round of layoffs,” said Minor.

In a statement obtained by the Statesman and the Austin Chronicle, Forrest wrote, “Leaving South by Southwest was definitely not my decision.” He added that he put his “heart and soul” into SXSW for more than 35 years and “was looking forward to leading several more editions.”

The recent changes in leadership come after SXSW announced changes to the format of the conference earlier this year. Following the conclusion of the 2025 conference, SXSW announced next year’s events will be two days shorter instead of spanning one weekend to the next.

The second weekend usually included music events, but SXSW organizers said the music festival will not be shorter.