Linda Duncombe, Banking Executive Turned Independent Film Producer, Dies at 55

Linda Duncombe, a prominent, long-standing banking executive who successfully transitioned into the world of independent film production later in her career, passed away on Sunday due to complications from a stroke. She was 55 years old.

Her sudden passing has left a profound void across the entertainment and corporate marketing communities in both Los Angeles and New York. Duncombe, who was widely known for her infectiously friendly demeanor, vibrant energy, and unwavering support for artists and industry organizations, had been diagnosed with Stage 2 lung cancer just days before her death.

Throughout her distinguished professional life, Duncombe bridged the worlds of high-level corporate finance and the creative arts. She served for five years as the chief marketing officer at City National Bank, where she directed more than $12 million in strategic investments tied to vital cultural, charitable, and labor organizations. Her philanthropic and community-building footprint extended to major entities such as Habitat for Humanity, Broadway Cares, SAG-AFTRA, and the Grammy Museum.

In her final public appearance, Duncombe attended the Motion Picture & Television Fund’s prestigious "The Evening Before" benefit event ahead of the Primetime Emmy Awards on Sept. 13. At the gathering, she joyfully reunited with close friends and interacted with some of Hollywood’s biggest and most celebrated stars, embodying the passion for the industry that defined her later years.

A Lifelong Dream Realized in Film Production

Born on Feb. 10, 1971, in Australia, Duncombe spent the formative years of her life in her home country before pursuing elite higher education. In 2008, she enrolled at Harvard Business School, setting the stage for an international corporate career. She officially relocated to the United States in 2015, initially settling in New York before eventually moving to a coastal apartment near the beach in Santa Monica, California.

After decades at the pinnacle of corporate marketing and banking, Duncombe spent the last two years of her life pursuing a lifelong ambition as an independent film producer. She took on the challenge with characteristic enthusiasm, producing two distinct projects: the family adventure feature film “The Queen’s Jewels” and the suspense thriller “Killing Time.” Both films are currently slated for a global release in 2027. True to her hands-on nature, Duncombe was intricately involved in every single element of the production process, from securing financing to overseeing publicity and strategic rollout plans.

Colleagues and close friends mourned the loss of her creative momentum and luminous personality.

“Linda was a source of light — always smiling, laughing, gossiping (which, she’d say to her friends, ‘is never gossip between us, love’) and someone who adored Hollywood with all her heart,” said Variety co-president and co-editor-in-chief Ramin Setoodeh, a close friend of Duncombe. “Growing up as a young girl in Australia, she dreamed of finding her way in the film industry. In the last few years, she finally realized her calling as a producer, which made her beam even more. This is a devastating loss, and I will miss Linda so much.”

A Stellar Corporate Career Across Continents

Duncombe’s professional journey began in earnest when she entered the banking sector. In 2010, she joined Citibank in Australia as the marketing director of digital and customer experience. Through relentless dedication and sharp business acumen, she rose steadily through the corporate ranks to become managing director, head of growth, and chief marketing officer.

Five years after her start at Citibank in Australia, she transferred to New York as a founding member of the company’s pioneering financial technology subsidiary, Citi Fintech. Her ability to navigate traditional banking while embracing modern digital innovation marked her as a forward-thinking leader in a rapidly evolving financial landscape.

In early 2019, Duncombe made a pivotal move to Los Angeles to join City National Bank. In this role, she was instrumental in establishing robust business, corporate sponsorship, and community relations. She forged deep partnerships with prominent cultural and labor organizations, including the SAG-AFTRA Foundation, the Recording Academy, the Motion Picture & Television Fund, and the Tribeca Film Festival.

Her leadership was particularly vital during the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. During that turbulent period, Duncombe spearheaded crucial efforts at City National Bank to deliver more than $1.8 billion in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, providing a financial lifeline to support workers and businesses throughout the entertainment industry.

While at City National Bank, she cultivated deep relationships within the entertainment publishing community, forging close friendships with Variety staffers. She worked tirelessly to keep the magazine’s annual Broadway breakfast tradition afloat during the pandemic shutdowns—an event that over the years has consistently attracted premier theater mainstays, ranging from Lin-Manuel Miranda to Rachel Zegler.

“Linda was initially my client but quickly became my very good friend, always including me in her gatherings,” said Variety publisher and co-president Dea Lawrence. “A true warrior woman who understood the importance of shared experiences and letting go with that unforgettable, infectious laugh. She was fiercely loyal, endlessly generous, and embraced life with so much passion and heart. It is hard to fathom that her brilliant light has gone out.”

A "Unicorn" to Her Inner Circle

Beyond her formidable professional achievements, Duncombe was universally remembered by her peers for her sunny disposition, boisterous and infectious laugh, unbridled optimism, and relentless passion for discovering new experiences. She took immense pride in mentoring younger generations of professionals and maintained fierce loyalty toward those within her personal and professional orbit.

Her tight-knit inner circle included her producing partner and best friend, Josh Friedman, who was a constant presence by her side at major industry events and gatherings.

“Losing Linda is going to change the lives of so many people,” said Friedman, whom Duncombe affectionately referred to as her little brother. “She made life look really easy in managing many things but remaining the most humble, kind and generous person. The emojis next to her name in my phone were a princess, heart and unicorn. She was a unicorn in this life for a lot of people.”

Bob Beitcher, president and CEO of the Motion Picture & Television Fund (MPTF), echoed those sentiments regarding her deeply compassionate character. “Linda was a gift to everyone who knew her,” Beitcher said. “She was vital, fun, whip smart, caring and compassionate, and always, always there to lend a hand and lift you up. As a friend and adviser, she is irreplaceable, and her passing dims the light for me and for MPTF.”

Recognized for Leadership and Community Impact

Duncombe’s contributions to business, entertainment, and philanthropy did not go unnoticed. Her impactful leadership earned her a spot on Variety’s prestigious “Most Powerful Women in Hollywood” list. Furthermore, her exceptional service and dedication were honored by the Australian Governor-General, who awarded her the Order of Australia Medal.

Reflecting her wide-ranging commitment to charitable causes and community development, Duncombe sat on the boards of several prominent organizations, including the SAG-AFTRA Foundation, the Grammy Museum, Habitat for Humanity Greater Los Angeles, and the Australian Wildlife Conservancy.

After leaving her home country, Duncombe frequently expressed immense pride in the remarkable success she had achieved during her decade living and working in the United States.

“As a 9-year-old, I told my parents I wanted to live in New York when I grew up. My parents did not hesitate in their support of a shy, young girl’s big dreams,” she shared in a 2025 interview with the publication Beauty Is. “We lived in government housing and while we had no money, our family and home was rich in love, support and laughter.”

As a child, she drew enduring inspiration from the “Wonder Woman” television series starring Lynda Carter, absorbing her parents’ valuable lessons that treating people with kindness and respect would make her unstoppable.

“Now I am a woman who has worked hard,” she noted in the interview. “I try my very best to share my learnings, experiences, and networks to help people go after their dreams and live their best life.”

Linda Duncombe is survived by her mother, Doreen Thompson, as well as her nieces and nephews, Shannen, Damien, and Jarred.