Carie Lai (MBA ’18) Honored by Media Play News in "40 Under 40 in Digital Entertainment"

Pepperdine Graziadio Business School Full-Time MBA alumnus Carie Lai (MBA ’18) has been recognized by Media Play News in its 2026 "40 Under 40 in Digital Entertainment" feature. The annual list highlights emerging executives and rising stars across studio home entertainment, streaming platforms, and digital distribution who are shaping the future of the media landscape.

Serving as Senior Manager of Finance at Universal Pictures Home Entertainment (UPHE), Lai plays a vital role in supporting and growing critical digital business segments for the organization. Honored for his strategic vision and financial leadership, Lai was recently entrusted with building out UPHE’s international digital forecast model, a key initiative reflecting the studio's confidence in his ability to drive performance in a rapidly evolving digital environment. Prior to joining Universal in 2021, Lai built a diverse background in media and advertising financial roles following his graduation from Pepperdine Graziadio.

Read the full feature in Media Play News here.

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