MUMBAI: Universal Pictures chairmen Marc Shmuger and David Linde have announced the promotion of the company‘s UK based international distribution head, David Kosse, to Universal Pictures president, international.
Kosse built and has led the company‘s international theatrical distribution efforts as the former President of Universal Pictures International (UPI), since its formation in 2007. In his new position, Kosse will play an enhanced strategic and leadership role in maximising revenue and profit across Universal‘s international divisions, including home entertainment, television and theatrical distribution.
As president, International, Kosse will strategically guide Universal Pictures‘ films through the lifetime of their release and capitalize on opportunities across traditional and new media platforms, thereby providing greater consistency and profitability. He‘ll work closely with the Universal Pictures International Home Entertainment president Eddie Cunningham who reports to Universal Pictures vice chairman and Universal Studios executive VP Rick Finkelstein and International Television Distribution president Belinda Menendez who reports to Finkelstein and NBCU International president Pete Smith. Kosse will continue to run UPI and report to Shmuger and Linde.
Shmuger and Linde said, “David understands global markets better than anyone in our business and has been a primary reason for the success of UPI. This promotion is a much-deserved recognition of his enormous contributions to shaping and enhancing Universal‘s international profile. As our company expands to become even more globally focused, his experience and steady hand will provide greater leadership across Universal‘s film divisions.”
Under Kosse‘s leadership, UPI shepherded Universal two of its best years at the international box office. In 2008, international grosses increased by 67 per cent over the previous year, with the 2008 total reaching $1.714 billion. This figure shattered 2007‘s box-office total of $1.034 billion with successes including Mamma Mia!, which was embraced by audiences across the globe; the film grossed more than $459 million at the international box office and more than $600 million worldwide.
He says, “I look forward to working with my colleagues in all of Universal‘s international divisions to continue the success we‘ve had in the past two years. This company recognises the need to maintain a global focus and international concentration that capitalizes on the unique and ever-changing markets outside of the U.S. This new role will allow me to build on what we‘ve done at UPI and give further support to my partners in home entertainment and television.”
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