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Viacom Names Paramount CEO

Viacom appointed Jim Gianopulos as chairman and CEO of Paramount Pictures, effective April 3, 2017. Gianopulos will report directly to Bob Bakish, president and CEO of Viacom.

In his role, Gianopulos will oversee the studio’s film and television operations worldwide, including production, marketing, distribution, and all other facets. He will also be charged with setting a new strategy for Paramount, including developing new content, strengthening Paramount’s slate with co-branded releases from Viacom flagship brands, and expanding the studio’s global footprint.

Gianopulos has been a leading figure in the global entertainment industry for more than 30 years. For 16 years, he served as chairman and CEO of Fox Filmed Entertainment, overseeing Twentieth Century Fox, Fox 2000 Pictures, Fox Searchlight Pictures, Fox International Productions, and Twentieth Century Fox Animation/Blue Sky Studios. During his tenure, he oversaw numerous box office hits, ranging from Avatar and the X-Men series, to The Descendants and The Grand Budapest Hotel, and most recently Deadpool and Hidden Figures.

Previously, Gianopulos served as president of 20th Century Fox International. Prior to joining the company, he held senior positions at Columbia Pictures and Paramount. He began his career as an attorney specializing in entertainment law. Gianopulos is Treasurer of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, Chairman of the Motion Picture & Television Fund, and a Trustee of Carnegie Melon University and the American Film Institute. He also serves on the USC School of Cinematic Arts Board of Councilors.

Disney Extends Iger’s Contract

The Walt Disney Company Board of Directors has extended Robert A. Iger’s contract as Chairman and CEO to July 2, 2019.

“Given Bob Iger’s outstanding leadership, his record of success in a changing media landscape, and his clear strategic vision for Disney’s future, it is obvious that the Company and its shareholders will be best served by his continued leadership as the Board conducts the robust process of identifying a successor and ensuring a smooth transition,” said Orin C. Smith, Independent Lead Director of the Disney Board.

“Mr. Iger has led The Walt Disney Company to unprecedented success during his 11 years as CEO, driving Disney to new creative heights, expanding the Company’s global reach, fostering technological innovation, and delivering year-after-year of record financial results. During his tenure, Mr. Iger has created enormous value for shareholders, with total shareholder return of 448%, compared to 144% for the S&P 500, and a dramatic increase in the Company’s market capitalization to $177 billion from $46 billion.”

Details of the agreement will be included in a Form 8-K filed.

Macy’s Names New CEO

Macy’s board of directors unanimously elected Jeff Gennette as chief executive officer, effective immediately. Gennette succeeds Terry J. Lundgren, who will continue as executive chairman.
Prior to CEO, Gennette has served as president of Macy’s since 2014. Previously, he was chief merchandising officer of Macy’s, Inc. (formerly known as Federated Department Stores, Inc.), a position to which he was appointed in 2009.

Gennette began his retail career in 1983 as an executive trainee at Macy’s West in San Francisco. He held positions of increasing responsibilities, including vice-president and division merchandise manager for men’s collections, and senior vice-president and general merchandise manager for men’s and children’s. In 2004, Gennette was appointed executive vice-president and director of stores at Macy’s Central in Atlanta. During his career, he also served as a store manager for FAO Schwarz and director of stores for Broadway Stores, Inc. From 2006–2008, Gennette served as chairman and CEO of Seattle-based Macy’s Northwest, and as chairman and CEO of Macy’s West from 2008–2009 in San Franscico.

eOne Strengthens Latin America Operations

Entertainment One (eOne) appointed Bruna Sawada to the newly created role of regional territory manager in Brazil, as the company aims to strengthen its operations in Latin America. Sawada will report directly to Murilo Hinojosa, who oversees the company’s consumer products division in Latin America.

In his new role, Sawada will manage eOne’s TV content catalog, including top children’s programs such as Peppa Pig, Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom, and PJ Masks. Based out of eOne’s new São Paulo office, he will roll out a localized strategy to expand the company’s catalog in Brazil. According to eOne, Peppa Pig has grown in popularity across Latin America, where the show airs daily on Discovery Kids, and the property has sold more than 2.5 million books and 2 million toys in Brazil alone.