Barry Diller Returns to CEO Role: Media Mogul’s New Chapter and Upcoming Memoir Signals Strategic Shifts

In a significant development for the media industry, Barry Diller has returned to his role as CEO of InterActiveCorp (IAC), marking a new chapter in his illustrious career. The announcement, made in January 2025, coincides with IAC’s plans to spin off its stake in home services platform Angi to shareholders, demonstrating Diller’s continued strategic vision for the company he founded in 1995.

The leadership reorganization sees former CEO Joey Levin transitioning to the position of executive chairman of Angi, while Diller, who previously served as CEO until 2010, reassumes direct control of IAC’s operations. The market responded positively to this management shuffle, with IAC’s shares experiencing a 5% increase after hours following the announcement.

Adding to the excitement surrounding Diller’s career, Simon & Schuster has announced the upcoming publication of his memoir titled “Who Knew,” scheduled for release on May 20, 2025. The book promises to be a remarkably honest and entertaining account of his personal journey, offering readers an inside look at his extraordinary rise from the William Morris Agency mailroom to becoming one of the most influential figures in media and entertainment.

Diller’s current role extends beyond IAC, as he continues to serve as chairman of Expedia, following its acquisition of Liberty Expedia in a $2.6 billion deal in 2019. Under his leadership, IAC has maintained its position as a dynamic digital conglomerate, with its largest holding being Dotdash Meredith, publisher of renowned titles including People and Southern Living.

The media mogul’s recent activities have included a notable attempt to acquire Paramount in 2024, though he ultimately withdrew from the bid. His interest in Paramount was particularly symbolic, given his history with the studio where he once served as CEO at the age of 32. Throughout his career, Diller has been credited with numerous innovations in the entertainment industry, including the creation of the TV Movie of the Week for ABC and the launch of the Fox TV network.

Today, IAC continues to operate a diverse portfolio of digital brands, including Care.com, Angi Homeservices, and The Daily Beast. The company’s success reflects Diller’s early recognition of the internet’s potential to revolutionize commerce and media consumption. His vision has consistently proven prescient, as evidenced by IAC’s successful track record of incubating and spinning off numerous successful companies.

Beyond his business achievements, Diller, alongside his wife Diane von Furstenberg, has made significant contributions to urban development, most notably through the creation of Little Island, an innovative public park and performance venue on New York’s Hudson River. This project exemplifies the couple’s commitment to enhancing urban spaces and fostering community engagement through creative initiatives.

With an estimated net worth of $4.6 billion according to Forbes, Diller’s influence in the media landscape remains substantial. His return to the CEO position at IAC, combined with the forthcoming release of his memoir, suggests that the 82-year-old media pioneer is far from finished with his mission to shape the future of digital media and entertainment.