Kathleen Kennedy, the Unsung Hero of the Star Wars Universe

Original Article Published: December 14, 2015 • Entrepreneur.com • Contributor: Jason Ankeny

Unless you have been living under a rock for the past almost 40 years, you have likely heard of a little something called Star Wars. With the release of the newest installment, The Force Awakens, we should turn an eye to one of the leaders that made the series revival possible: Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy.

Overshadowed by boy-wonder collaborators like Steven Spielberg and George Lucas, Kennedy has produced or executive produced more than 60 films that have grossed $11 billion worldwide and collectively earned 25 Academy Awards.

Her credits include hits such as E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Jurassic Park and the Indiana Jones and Back to the Future trilogies, as well as Oscar favorites ranging from Who Framed Roger Rabbit to Schindler’s List.

Soon after The Walt Disney Co. acquired the Lucasfilm production company for more than $4 billion in 2012, they named Kennedy president. Star Wars: The Force Awakens is the first feature-length project under her authority. She has lined up directors for the next two films, is overseeing Star Wars merchandise (toys, video games, comics, etc.), and is orchestrating a series of spinoff films featuring fan-favorite characters; TV shows; and themed amusement-park experiences.

To learn more about Kathleen Kennedy and other business leaders who have helped shape 2015, read the full article here on Entrepreneur.com.