Marc DeBevoise, a distinguished former executive from Paramount and CBS Interactive, has taken on a new leadership role as the President of OverDrive. This strategic appointment positions him to lead the company, which is supported by private equity firm KKR, in its mission to broaden access to digital content for libraries, universities, and schools worldwide. His extensive background in digital platforms and content ecosystems is expected to significantly enhance OverDrive's offerings, which include popular apps like Libby for ebooks and audiobooks, Sora for educational content, and Kanopy for video streaming.
OverDrive's CEO, Steve Potash, emphasized DeBevoise's transformative leadership capabilities, highlighting his success in scaling multi-format platforms serving millions of users. Potash expressed confidence that DeBevoise's deep understanding of content ecosystems and strong relationships with rights holders are precisely what is needed to foster continued product innovation, forge stronger content partnerships, and achieve global expansion. DeBevoise's responsibilities will also include serving on OverDrive's board of directors, where he will contribute to the company's strategic direction.
During his tenure at CBS and Paramount, DeBevoise played a crucial role in developing and scaling direct-to-consumer streaming services, such as Paramount+ (originally CBS All Access), CBSN, and CBS Sports HQ. His proven track record in building enterprise platforms and his expertise in the digital media landscape make him an ideal fit for OverDrive, which is experiencing significant growth. In 2025, the company reported over 860 million digital title checkouts via Libby and Sora, and more than 1.1 billion minutes streamed on Kanopy, demonstrating a substantial increase from the previous year.
OverDrive's impressive global distribution network provides access to over 5 million titles in more than 100 languages, alongside more than 40,000 videos, with licensing available in over 150 countries. DeBevoise commented on the unique intersection of content, technology, and public impact that OverDrive occupies. He articulated his enthusiasm for expanding content choices, improving economic benefits for partner institutions, and delivering user experiences that resonate with their audiences. His vision includes leveraging existing relationships with publishers and studios to further grow their businesses while expanding OverDrive's global mission.
Beyond his corporate achievements, DeBevoise is also actively involved in community service, currently serving on the board of The Door, a New York City non-profit youth development organization. Additionally, he holds a position as an adjunct professor of digital strategy at New York University, further demonstrating his commitment to education and digital innovation.
Marc DeBevoise's appointment as President of OverDrive marks a significant step for the company, signaling a renewed focus on strategic growth and innovation in the digital content landscape. His vast experience from prominent roles at Paramount and CBS Interactive, combined with his dedication to expanding access to knowledge, positions him to lead OverDrive into its next chapter of success, enriching the learning experiences for countless individuals globally.