Maureen Fan

Maureen Fan is a prominent figure in both journalism and the animation industry. Currently, she serves as the CEO and Co-Founder of Baobab Studios, an award-winning interactive narrative animation studio known for its innovative work in virtual reality (VR). Under her leadership, Baobab Studios has produced acclaimed VR short films and has won multiple Emmy Awards, establishing itself as a leader in the field of animated storytelling.23

Background and Career

Journalism:: Before venturing into the animation industry, Fan had a successful career as a journalist. She worked as a foreign correspondent for The Washington Post in Beijing from 2005 to 2009, where she covered significant events such as social changes in China and the 2008 Olympics. Her early career included roles at the San Jose Mercury News, where she served as New York Bureau Chief, covering major national stories including 9/11 and postwar Iraq.12

Animation Industry:: In 2012, Fan transitioned to the gaming sector by managing the FarmVille franchise at Zynga, where she oversaw a large team and was responsible for substantial revenue generation. This experience paved the way for her to co-found Baobab Studios in 2015, fulfilling her long-standing passion for animation. The studio aims to create immersive storytelling experiences that resonate with audiences beyond traditional media formats.23

Education and Influence

Fan is also a Stanford Knight Fellow, where she focused on strategic philanthropy and design thinking. She has contributed to various educational initiatives by teaching storytelling and reporting skills to non-journalists.14 Her work continues to influence both the fields of journalism and animation, as she explores new ways to engage audiences through technology and narrative.

In summary, Maureen Fan is a multifaceted professional whose career spans impactful journalism and pioneering work in interactive animation, making her a notable figure in contemporary media.