09 Mar IU Ventures Hosts Executive in Residence Jim Fielding

Focus on Entrepreneurship, Diversity, and Student Experience

Bloomington, IN—In the process of formalizing an “EIR” program that will host executives, entrepreneurs, and experts in residence, IU Ventures has brought IU alumnus James “Jim” Fielding back full-circle to Indiana. Fielding assumes an intersectional role to serve students, faculty, and staff through special projects with departments including IU Ventures, IU Office of the VP for Communications and Marketing, the IU Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Multicultural Affairs (OVPDEMA), and the IU Foundation. Previously, IU Ventures has engaged IU alumni Doug Dayhoff and Tedd Green as EIRs.

Fielding is a founding member of the IU Angel Network, a longtime board member of the IU Foundation, and a founding member of Dean’s Council for the new School of Global and International Studies at Indiana University from 2016-19. He has held numerous executive positions in retail and media, most recently in the role of President of Consumer Products and Innovation for Fox Networks Group, Fox Studio, and FX Networks. His role at IU Ventures will include serving as a board representative on behalf of the team, which is the case with OpenMartech, an IU Ventures portfolio company.

“Jim’s unique background and experience in the business of storytelling will be immensely helpful to IU Ventures,” said Tony Armstrong, CEO and President of IU Ventures. “Through senior roles at Disney and Fox, he has extensive experience working with early-stage founders, helping them take their concepts and ideas from the storyboard to the marketplace. He delivers keen insights into what it truly takes to break in and do business with industry leaders.”

Fielding moved back to Indiana from California seeking more opportunity to share his knowledge and network with Indiana University. “I don’t have grand visions going into this role, but rather am open to learning and receiving the needs and opportunities that come my way to make a difference. My guiding phrase my whole life has been, ‘May we leave our corner of the world better than we found it,’” he shared. “Any project I work on, or anyone I meet, I want others to feel in a better position afterward.”

Fielding has identified several areas of passion and interest that especially excite him, including reducing student debt and empowering students to pursue overseas study and internships, especially student entrepreneurs. He is also excited to work with Dr. James C. Wimbush, Indiana University’s Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Multicultural Affairs; dean of The University Graduate School; and Johnson Chair for Diversity and Leadership.

“In addition to his responsibilities in other areas, Jim’s expertise in strategic planning will help guide my office as we engage with even more faculty staff, and students, advance the work of the IU antiracist agenda, and position our Black and Queer Philanthropy Circles for further success,” said Dr. Wimbush. “The skillset and experience Jim brings back to IU are, simply put, tremendous.”