Women in Home Entertainment 2013

25 Nov, 2013 By: HM Editorial Staff

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Welcome to Home Media Magazine’s sixth annual salute to the women of home entertainment. We have singled out the leading executives, as well as some of the rising stars. We begin with the top executives, EVPs and up. Then we list SVPs and other executives according to studio, with sections on the top female executives from the independent supplier, retail, digital delivery and other components of the industry. The result, we hope, shows the significant role women play in home entertainment.

 

STUDIOS

 

• Kelley Avery, head of worldwide franchise content strategy and distribution, DreamWorks Animation
A  very leads the charge at DreamWorks Animation to create cutting-edge franchise strategies for the digital era. With a purview that includes strategic oversight of new product initiatives and general management over DreamWorks content on physical, digital and television platforms, Avery has grown some of the studio’s most successful franchises. She was integral in finalizing a groundbreaking deal with Netflix to bring DreamWorks Animation offerings to the streaming service. Avery began her career with Walt Disney Studios, and she led DreamWorks’ home entertainment division before serving as president of Paramount Home Entertainment.

• Janice Marinelli, president, Disney Studio Global In-Home and Digital Distribution and Disney-ABC North America Content Distribution
Marinelli has a hand in nearly all Disney content consumed in the home. She oversees the distribution and licensing of Disney’s new-release and catalog movies across a variety of platforms. She spearheads the company’s growing digital businesses, negotiating key movie output deals with a range of distributors and platforms. Under Marinelli’s leadership, the company in December 2012 cut a groundbreaking multiyear licensing deal that will make Netflix the exclusive U.S. subscription TV service for Disney’s first-run films in the pay window, beginning with 2016 theatrical releases.

• Mary Daily, president, chief marketing officer, worldwide marketing, 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment
For years Daily has defined the studio’s global integrated go-to market strategies and approach to consumer engagement. She is responsible for leveraging new platforms and technologies worldwide to drive profitable growth across all platforms and formats. Daily also oversees creative development, digital and brand marketing, promotions, content production, PR and media for all products distributed worldwide. She’s played a major role in expanding the studio’s product portfolio to include Digital HD, which also opens up access to Fox’s deep catalog of titles in HD at an affordable price. With Daily, Fox set records with the BD release of Avatar and disc release of The Bible miniseries.

• Lori MacPherson, EVP, global product management, Disney Studio Global In-Home & Digital Distribution and Disney-ABC North America Content Distribution
Among MacPherson’s accomplishments this year are her direction over some of 2012’s top releases: The Avengers, the No. 1 overall title and No. 1 Blu-ray; Brave, the No. 1 animated release; Lady and the Tramp, the No. 1 re-release; and Secret of the Wings, the No. 1 DTV title. She also pioneered in-home viewing enhancements such as Disney Intermission and Second Screen. MacPherson leads the team responsible for creating products and programs that drive content ownership of Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm and DreamWorks brands across physical and digital platforms. She also leads the business development of digital distribution opportunities such as Disney Movies Anywhere and Disney Mobile Movies.

• Lexine Wong, Senior EVP, worldwide marketing,Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
The industry veteran Wong is charged with marketing for SPHE’s digital and physical distribution strategies, new technologies, studio content and acquisition of titles. With a focus on maximizing the digital entertainment experience, she plays a critical role in formulating marketing strategies for SPHE’s digital products, including UltraViolet, early electronic sellthrough, VOD, and in-home and in-store disc-to digital. Most recently Wong was part of the team that launched SPHE’s and Walmart’s Vudu Extras+ for UltraViolet titles — an industry first. Additionally, Wong’s responsibilities include programming, media, creative services and the production of added-value content.

• Darcy Antonellis, President and CTO, Warner Bros. Technical Operations
Since 2008, Antonellis has directed Warner Bros.’ technology strategy in order to leverage growth and new business opportunities associated with advancements in new production techniques and formats, including 3D and Ultra-HD, as well as the incorporation of social-based experiences into aspects of content distribution. Antonellis also oversees the company’s worldwide antipiracy operations and works closely with Time Warner’s Global Public Policy group in Washington, D.C., to help protect the company’s technology and intellectual property. Prior to joining Warner Bros., Antonellis worked for CBS, where she garnered three Emmys in technical production and engineering.

•Thanda Belker, EVP, U.S. pay-TV, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Belker oversees the division’s licensing and marketing for transactional businesses, including residential video-on-demand and pay-per-view, electronic sellthrough and UltraViolet, hotel VOD, pay-TV, and subscription VOD. She has helped to identify new windows and products worth licensing, including TV Everywhere and multiplatform opportunities. Belker also leads industry promotional efforts in the VOD category with DEG: The Digital Entertainment Group and the Cable & Telecommunications Association for Marketing.

• Suzanne Cole, EVP, Media, Universal Pictures
Cole manages media campaigns for more than 20 theatrical features and 30 home entertainment releases annually. These strategic activities include print, broadcast, online and outdoor media. Cole’s recent media campaigns include Les Misérables, Oblivion, Identity Thief, Hop, The Lorax, Bridesmaids, Couples Retreat, Public Enemies, American Gangster, Knocked Up, The 40-Year-Old Virgin and United 93, in addition to the “Despicable Me,” “Fast and Furious,” “Bourne” and “American Pie” franchises.

• Victoria Colf, EVP, worldwide content servicing and digital solutions, Warner Bros. Technical Operations, Warner Bros. Entertainment
Colf’s group supports all of Warner’s worldwide TV and home entertainment clients, streamlining and automating existing and emerging supply chain processes. She is responsible for creating and supporting solutions that enable the studio’s digital businesses. She helps oversee the studio’s digital supply chain, which clears the way for sales and distribution to rapidly expand digital distribution partnerships and revenue in film and television. Before assuming her current position, Colf was SVP of digital solutions and services.

• Deborah Feinerman, EVP, business affairs and legal, Paramount Home Media Distribution International
Feinerman’s responsibilities encompass licensing, sales, distribution, operations, acquisitions and marketing of the studio’s product across home entertainment, television and digital media. Before assuming her current post, she served as SVP and deputy general counsel. She joined the general counsel’s office in 2000 after working in the Los Angeles offices of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher for nearly 20 years. Feinerman earned a J.D. from Loyola Law School and a B.A. in economics from UCLA. She serves on the Corporate Law Departments Section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association executive committee.

• Wendy Ferren, EVP and GM, Paramount Home Media Distribution International
Ferren is responsible for the global distribution of Paramount product to home entertainment, television and digital media outlets, including disc, EST, transactional and subscription VOD, pay-TV networks, and free and basic cable TV networks. She also sits on the board of Paramount’s jointly owned pay-TV service in Brazil, Telecine. Prior to her current post, Ferren served as EVP of Paramount Television and Digital Distribution. Before joining Paramount Pictures in 2006, Ferren was second in command of worldwide television distribution at DreamWorks SKG. She also previously served at the Walt Disney Co., where she had a variety of roles.

• Hilary Hoffman, EVP, marketing, Universal Studios Home Entertainment
Hoffman is responsible for the marketing strategy for Universal Studios Home Entertainment’s product and its distributed lines across new release, catalog and TV properties for both physical and digital platforms.  She oversees strategic direction and ensures that plans, tactics and collateral materials align to maximize revenue. During her tenure at Universal, Hoffman has overseen the campaigns of some of the studio’s biggest, revenue-generating releases and has been a driving force behind Universal’s entrée into Blu-ray and Digital.

• Mary Kincaid, EVP, worldwide marketing services, Paramount Home Media Distribution
A 30-year industry veteran, Kincaid oversees international marketing for Paramount’s physical and digital businesses as well as emerging technologies. Prior to her current post, she managed worldwide advertising and publicity campaigns, media plans, promotions, and qualitative and quantitative research for PHMD. Previous to that, Kincaid served as head of domestic marketing for DreamWorks Home Entertainment. Kincaid began her video career at Buena Vista Home Entertainment, as part of the senior management team that pioneered the sellthrough business and drove the studio to the market leadership position for more than 10 consecutive years. 

• Mary McLaren, EVP, COO, 20th Century Fox International Theatrical and Home Entertainment
A 28-year veteran of the studio, McLaren is responsible for providing strategic leadership to the international theatrical and home entertainment divisions, overseeing Fox’s post-production team and the administration of Fox’s 36 distribution offices worldwide. She plays a major role in driving the studio’s strategic agenda on international growth initiatives, including the expansion into local film production, as well as establishing and building the studio’s presence in emerging markets. McLaren is a senior executive liaison with all of the studio’s long-term and new third-party acquisition relationships, including Lucasfilm, MGM, Relativity Media and DreamWorks Animation.

• Margie Pacacha, EVP, business affairs and legal, Paramount Home Media Distribution
Pacacha oversees sales, distribution, operations, acquisitions, marketing and promotions, litigation, licensing, antitrust, and administration across physical and digital platforms. She has negotiated multimillion-dollar deals, including Paramount’s revenue-sharing deal with Redbox, the catalog licensing deal with Warner Home Video and numerous supply-chain agreements. She has also been involved in the launch of new technologies and business models, including Blu-ray Disc and UltraViolet. Pacacha joined Paramount in 2000. Before joining Paramount, she held posts at Republic Entertainment Inc., Spelling Entertainment Group and Best Film & Video Corp.

• Anne Parducci, EVP, marketing, and GM, family entertainment, Lionsgate
Parducci oversees strategic marketing, brand management, social media and creative direction for packaged and digital media. She piloted the marketing campaigns for two of the top titles in 2012 (The Hunger Games) and 2013 (The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn — Part 2). She also oversees the marketing direction for brand partners, including A&E, Miramax, Roadside Attractions, Tyler Perry Studios and StudioCanal. Parducci was instrumental in the development of Lionsgate’s BeFit channel on YouTube — the No. 1 fitness channel for women on the site. Parducci is also responsible for directing digital initiatives across multiple social platforms, including more than 200 Facebook movie property pages. In addition, she is responsible for the family entertainment division.

• Amy Reinhard, EVP and GM, domestic home media distribution, Paramount Pictures
Reinhard manages the sales and distribution of product across the physical, digital and TV licensing landscape. She oversees the business strategies and develops the course of action for the division. Reinhard has been with Paramount for eight years. In her previous role as SVP of strategic planning and business development, she oversaw the greenlight process and long-range planning and was responsible for managing the analysis of strategic initiatives and investment options across the studio divisions. Prior to joining Paramount, Reinhard worked in deal analysis and business development at Revolution Studios.

• Carolyn Scott, EVP, distribution strategy and operations, Paramount Home Media Distribution International
Scott has been with Paramount for more than 20 years. She oversees the international distribution strategy and operations, providing support for distribution of Paramount product to home entertainment, television and digital media platforms. Scott joined the studio in 1992. She has moved up the ranks, holding a variety of executive positions, including SVP of finance for worldwide television, where she was a member of the executive team tasked with creating a state-of-the-art worldwide television and digital distribution organization in the wake of the CBS-Paramount split and DreamWorks merger.

• Kelly Sooter, head of home entertainment, DreamWorks Animation
Sooter brings her marketing and retail experience to DreamWorks’ physical and digital content on a global basis. She helps lead DreamWorks Animation’s charge in exploring new and innovative ways to deliver the studio’s franchise brands and characters to consumers. Sooter previously served as EVP and GM of worldwide marketing for Paramount Home Entertainment. Prior to that, she was domestic head of DreamWorks Home Entertainment, where she was instrumental in launching the domestic video division. Sooter also spent time at the Walt Disney Co. in the home entertainment and interactive businesses.

• Clarissa Weirick, EVP, general counsel, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment
Weirick oversees licensing, sales, production, acquisitions and daily operational legal matters, which includes the marketing and distribution of the studio’s movies, TV shows and interactive video games in physical and digital formats, worldwide. Weirick also handles acquisitions and joint ventures with technology and retail partners, helping advance strategic initiatives in the digital and interactive games sector. Previously, Weirick was the SVP of Warner Bros. Digital Distribution, where she handled business development and legal matters associated with the delivery of content through VOD and electronic sellthough. She also oversaw the rollout of new digital business models on broadband, cable and mobile platforms.

 

LIONSGATE HOME ENTERTAINMENT

• Jill Anderson, SVP, sellthrough sales
Anderson oversees management of the studio’s home entertainment business at Walmart, Sam’s Club and Best Buy — the latter where she started her entertainment retail career. Anderson’s success in managing some of Lionsgate’s biggest retail accounts directly contributes to its growing market share and its dominance in box office-to-DVD conversion. Under her leadership, Lionsgate has experienced significant retail growth with The Hunger Games, The Expendables 2, The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn — Part 2 and A&E’s “Duck Dynasty,” among others.

• Angela Henry, SVP, home entertainment sales
Henry joined Lionsgate as SVP of home entertainment sales when the company merged with Summit Entertainment. She helps manage daily sales, with particular focus on the Walmart account. She helped launch the Summit Home Entertainment division in 2007. Prior to joining Summit, she started her entertainment career with Warner Bros. Home Entertainment in 2001 as a sales manager covering a wide variety of retailers.

• Kajsa Vikman, SVP, marketing, and GM, fitness
Vikman oversees the studio’s fitness initiatives, including acquisitions, production, marketing, branding and creative on DVD and digital platforms. She played an integral role in the development of the Lionsgate/YouTube partnership. Vikman also pioneered the concept of turning television brands into fitness products with bestselling properties such as “The Biggest Loser” and “Dancing With the Stars.” She has also been a part of Lionsgate’s rise in the TV on disc category, which has more than doubled revenue in recent years with the releases of “Mad Men,” “Nurse Jackie,” “Weeds” and “Boss.”

• Tracy Ames, VP, marketing
• Dawn Arnone, VP, operations
• Mariko Gueringer, VP, creative services
• Chela Johnson, VP, marketing
• Amanda Kozlowski, VP, digital and on demand
• Sanjana Naiksatam, VP, retail and digital ops
• Kate Nayberg, VP, DVD production
• Helen Reich, VP, sales administration
• Jennifer Sandler, VP, publicity
• Jenna Sonenshein, VP, marketing
• Wendy Wong, VP, marketing

 

PARAMOUNT HOME MEDIA DISTRIBUTION

• Joy Abbott, SVP, distribution services
Abbott oversees the sales administration and sales support efforts for worldwide digital and television licensing. Joining the studio in 2008, she has held the titles of SVP of sales administration for worldwide television, as well as SVP of distribution services. Abbott also served as SVP of MGM’s worldwide distribution group.

• Michele Bell, SVP, worldwide creative services
Bell has more than 15 years of home entertainment marketing experience. She’s responsible for the division’s advertising creative services, including disc packaging; menu design; and print, broadcast, VOD and Internet advertising. Prior to joining Paramount, Bell served at Universal Studios and New Line Cinema.

• Brenda Ciccone, SVP, worldwide publicity and communications
Ciccone has spent 20 years in entertainment public relations. She manages global publicity and corporate communications for the division. Ciccone is responsible for the PR campaigns on behalf of the studio’s home entertainment labels and distribution partners.

• Melinda Froelich, SVP, international marketing
Froelich handles the international marketing, advertising, public relations, promotions and release strategy for all transactional windows after their theatrical release. Froelich joined Paramount in 2005. Prior to joining the studio, she worked at The Walt Disney Co. for eight years.

• Madeline Herdrich, SVP, digital Distribution, The Americas
Herdrich is responsible for growing digital, IPTV, cable, satellite and mobile video distribution sales channels. She joined Paramount in 2007 as VP of mobile, developing global strategies for the studio’s entry into mobile distribution, marketing and product development.

• Julie Jenkins, SVP, television licensing, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, Paramount Home Media Distribution International
Jenkins oversees pay, free, basic, SVOD and FVOD distribution in Asia Pacific and Africa. With 30 years in the industry, she began her career at Buena Vista Home Video International. She also spent time at DreamWorks SKG, where she oversaw television distribution in the United States, Middle East, Asia Pacific and Africa.

• Lisa Kramer, SVP, international TV licensing
Kramer oversees Paramount’s television licensing activities across all international territories. Joining Paramount Pictures in 2006, she was originally responsible for European television distribution, spending two years in London, establishing and staffing Paramount’s regional television office.

• Dina Marovich, SVP, media and interactive marketing
With nearly 20 years of experience, Marovich oversees media planning and buying. She joined the studio in 2006 as VP of media. Previously, she managed media planning for Buena Vista Home Entertainment releases while at Starcom Worldwide.

• Syrinthia Studer, SVP, marketing and acquisitions
Studer is responsible for leading the division’s content acquisitions with an eye on procuring film projects and licensed properties for worldwide distribution across multiple platforms. She is also charged with home entertainment marketing efforts on behalf of Paramount’s network and cable brand partners.

• Aubrey Thomason, SVP, business affairs and legal, Paramount Pictures Corp.
Thomason’s focus is on home media distribution, specifically overseeing the business and legal side of domestic sublicensing matters, and the legal side of acquisitions, marketing, promotion and publicity matters. She also handles select digital sublicensing matters.

• Erica Adler, SVP, TV licensing, Latin America
• Emlyn Barrios, VP, international digital distribution — EMEA
• Ines Cho, VP, business affairs and legal
• Susan Chun, VP, business affairs and legal
• Rosemary Churns, VP, international sales
• Katherine Kaufman, VP, sales, U.S. and Canada
• Inge Mueller, VP, worldwide marketing intelligence and POS tracking
• Michele Prigent, VP, sales administration
• Jyoti Sarda, VP, international marketing
• Susane Seidman, VP, creative services worldwide
• Pamela Sivula, VP, financial planning
• Carla Stock, VP, business affairs administration
• Rozita Tolouey, VP, brand marketing
• Dina Vangelisti, SVP, TV Distribution, U.S. and Canada
• Michelle VenDange, VP, international marketing

 

SONY PICTURES HOME ENTERTAINMENT

• Jennifer Anderson, SVP, marketing
Anderson oversees the marketing strategies and national promotions for new-release films from Columbia Pictures, Screen Gems, Sony Pictures Classics, TriStar and Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions, as well as made-for-television movies. She joined SPHE in 1999, and her responsibilities span both physical and transactional digital releases.  Anderson began her career with Warner Home Video.

• Alison Biggers, SVP, strategic marketing
Biggers is charged with SPHE’s strategic marketing programs. She joined the company in 1999, when it was Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment. Biggers was promoted to VP of worldwide DVD marketing in 2002, and she now serves as SVP of worldwide marketing for the home entertainment division. A graduate of UCLA, Biggers began her career with MGM Home Entertainment.

• Geri Bluerock, SVP, sales development
Bluerock leads the division’s global sales development group, which is charged with developing commercial strategy and standardizing business tools to deliver account-level sales plans. She joined SPHE in 2005, after serving at MGM Home Entertainment. With more than 20 years of home entertainment and retail experience, Bluerock has held leadership positions in sales, sales research and analysis, retail operations, category management, vendor managed inventory, demand planning, and retail buying.

• Claude Borna, SVP, global customer strategy
Borna is responsible for driving long-term planning, innovative strategic initiatives and new distribution models with key customers across multiple countries. She most recently managed the London-based European Business Planning and Innovation Group. Prior to joining Sony, she held a number of positions with Amazon and Deloitte Consulting in the United Kingdom, France and the United States. Borna earned her M.B.A. from UCLA.

• Natasha Currie, SVP, international operations
Currie is responsible for operations strategy for the division outside of the United States. She’s charged with the implementation and expansion of a global supply chain network for the studio, along with keeping the studio responding to changes in market dynamics. Prior to her current role, Currie was VP of European operations for Sony, and held a number of positions with Walt Disney Television International and CIC Video International. She graduated from London University with a B.A.

• Lissa Freed, SVP, people and organization
Freed oversees human resources management for SPHE and the motion picture group globally with additional oversight for Sony Pictures operations in Europe. She partners closely with the executive leadership team to support and guide SPE’s talent agenda and organization development. Freed holds a B.S. in business management and a certificate in human capital and effective organizations from USC’s Marshall School.

• Tracey Garvin, SVP, worldwide marketing
SPHE looks to Garvin to oversee, develop and produce special features, interactive content and menus for all worldwide disc and digital releases from the studio. Before her promotion in 2006, she was VP of marketing for SPHE. Prior to joining the company in 1990, Garvin held several positions in the entertainment industry at New World Entertainment and MCA Records.

• Cooper Jackson, SVP, business affairs and international licensing
Jackson is responsible for evaluating, structuring and negotiating home entertainment agreements worldwide across physical and digital media, including distribution partnerships, licensing deals and other initiatives. She plays an instrumental role in shaping complex deals and distribution strategies across SPHE groups and territories. Prior to joining Sony in 2008, Jackson held positions at Genius Products and Warner Home Video.

• Jane Mohon, SVP, media services
For consumer media campaigns, SPHE turns to Mohon. Her responsibilities include setting strategies and budgets, and managing overall media operations across traditional and digital media channels. By guiding global consumer and shopper insights and strategies, she also helps inform commercial decisions and influence key customer relationships. Mohon also leads the division’s digital marketing team, helping to establish digital marketing strategies across various platforms worldwide.

• Kelly Nielsen, SVP, worldwide creative advertising
Nielsen heads the division’s worldwide creative advertising group, covering design and production of DVD and Blu-ray Disc packaging and in-store displays. She also shepherds SPHE’s trade and consumer advertising campaigns, covering print, broadcast, digital, outdoor and trailers. Before joining Sony in 1997, she held positions at J. Walter Thompson and Prism Pictures.

• Kim Overall, SVP, Northern Europe and worldwide commercial
Overall leads commercial strategies and program development throughout the United Kingdom and Northern Europe. It’s Overall who ensures strategic alignment among all new release, catalog and TV releases for the company, and establishes a global approach to engage consumers at every stage of a title’s lifecycle. She joined SPHE in 2008 as the managing director for Australia and New Zealand, and prior to joining SPHE was European VP of international sales and marketing at Paramount Home Entertainment, as well as VP of international marketing for DreamWorks Home Entertainment, both based in London.

• Jill Allen, VP, digital accounts
• Lori Barker, VP, finance
• Caroline Dean, VP, European marketing
• Ellen Goodridge, VP, digital operations and product development
• Staci Griesbach, VP, worldwide publicity
• Amy Heller, VP, HE international
• Sheela Jairaj, VP, sales
• Susan Johnston, VP, business development, Canada
• Jacqui Marshall, VP, legal affairs
• Olga Nechayeva, VP, customer partnerships
• Cara Taylor, VP, finance
• Dina Wiggins, VP, legal affairs HE

 

20TH CENTURY FOX HOME ENTERTAINMENT

• Cindy Ballard, SVP, human resources, worldwide distribution
Ballard is responsible for every aspect of human resources for Fox’s worldwide distribution groups, covering organizational issues, talent management, employee relations, recruitment, HR development, benefits and compensation.

• Jennifer Chai, SVP, brand marketing, strategy
Chai oversees North American brand marketing and strategy for the newly formed Fox Family & Animation team. She also takes point on the studio’s new DreamWorks Animation business. Additionally, Chai also had a hand in shaping Fox’s new digital initiatives, including Digital HD.

• Rio Cyrus, SVP, worldwide marketing
For everything from home entertainment launch initiatives to business plans for Fox TV properties, the MGM library and third-party film acquisitions, the studio looks to Cyrus. She has contributed to the success of everything from “Glee” and “Sons of Anarchy” to “The Simpsons” and “Modern Family.”

• Aubrey Freeborn, SVP, global marketing, VOD and Digital HD
Freeborn takes a lead role in global marketing for Fox’s film and TV content on digital platforms. She spearheaded the digital launch of Avatar, which featured first-of-its-kind interactive features. She also was behind the idea to premiere “New Girl” on iTunes before its broadcast.

• Julia Howe, SVP, brand marketing
For North America brand marketing on every Fox Home Entertainment live-action and franchise release, the studio counts on Howe. Before joining Fox, she served as marketing director of Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa for the Associated Press. Before the AP, she provided strategic marketing to digital clients for Branded.

• Julie Markell, SVP, global creative development
Markell oversees global creative development for major releases, with the goal of grabbing the consumer’s attention with innovative, creative campaigns. Fox has also relied on her skills for the Blu-ray Disc packaging of many major releases.

• Kathryn Tralli, SVP, retail planning and analysis
Tralli leads Fox’s retail and planning analysis for physical and digital content. She’s built her group from two people to 26 during her 15-year tenure, with the group supporting sales, marketing and senior management teams.

• Joanie Wallace, SVP, account services and distribution
Wallace is charged with managing a cross-functional team responsible for contract management, manufacturing, distribution and customer service for physical and digital product released worldwide. Before joining Fox, Wallace worked for the accounting team at Orion Entertainment.

• Cameron Dillavou, VP, international marketing
• Marlene Duran, VP, worldwide physical and digital account services
• Jacqueline Gustafson, VP, global
• Debbie Haag, VP, brand marketing
• Hilarie Hildebrandt, VP, retail marketing content development
• Molly Madden, VP, sales
 

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOME ENTERTAINMENT

• Pam Blum, SVP, marketing services

When it comes to enhancing the value proposition for home entertainment sales, Universal turns to Blum to oversee creative services, national promotions, and the development of special content for Blu-ray, DVD and digital releases. Blum is also responsible for coordinating opportunities between studio departments and the company’s domestic and international home entertainment operations.

• Ellen Cockrill, SVP, animation
Cockrill oversees development of TV productions and original DVD releases under Universal 1440 Entertainment, which produces content based on Universal Pictures’ franchises. The 17-year veteran produces the PBS series “Curious George” and has won two Daytime Emmys. She has also spearheaded numerous feature-length productions and TV episodes.

• Nancy Eagle, SVP, business and legal affairs
Eagle oversees business and legal affairs for Universal 1440 Entertainment, the unit that develops both live-action and animated projects for home entertainment. Her duties include rights and talent acquisition, negative pick-up distribution agreements, foreign co-productions, product integration, intellectual property matters and litigation management. Recently, Eagle sold the stage play rights to Curious George Live!, which will launch a national tour in fall 2014. She also spearheads the group’s soundtrack partnerships.

• Patti Jackson, SVP, live-action production
Jackson oversees development and production of live-action original DVD films for the Universal 1440 Entertainment unit. She has overseen roughly 75 productions, including most recently, Curse of Chucky and Dead in Tombstone, as well as multiple films in the “Death Race,” “Scorpion King” and “Bring It On” franchises. Currently, Jackson is shepherding all-new installments of The Little Rascals, Scorpion King, Dragonheart and Jarhead, all of which are expected to debut in 2014.   

• Linda Leighton, SVP, customer service, retail inventory team and systems administration

Leighton oversees coordination of the division’s customer service activities, retail inventory team and merchandising across North America. She is also responsible for planning and aligning Universal’s IT systems development activity. Additionally, Leighton plays an active role in managing the relationships with the studio’s distribution partners, including Open Road Films and Cinedigm Entertainment Group.

• Lea Porteneuve, SVP, communications and publicity
Porteneuve oversees all business, technology and executive communications. She also spearheads all strategic publicity initiatives, including media and talent relations, events, promotions, partnerships and social media activations in support of the studio’s physical and digital home entertainment offerings. Porteneuve also serves as the studio’s principal PR strategist on cross-studio, industry-specific committees.

• Heidi Turk, SVP, supply chain
Turk manages master data, procurement, physical production, distribution and logistics for the studio’s Blu-ray and DVD releases in the United States and Canada. She also plays a vital role in the development and implementation of Universal’s eco-friendly initiatives, and serves as a primary liaison to its distribution partners, including Open Road Films and Cinedigm Entertainment Group.

 

THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY

• Susan McLain, SVP, global product management, Disney-ABC Entertainment Sales and Distribution
McLain oversees the home entertainment releases for all the new movies from Disney Feature Animation, Disney*Pixar, DisneyToon Studios, Disney Live Action, Marvel, DreamWorks and Lucasfilm. In this new post, she drives all marketing strategies for physical distribution, windowing of releases and cross-brand strategies. During her 15 years at The Walt Disney Co., McLain has been key in the launch of some of the most successful Disney Video Premiere releases, including Lady & The Tramp II, The Little Mermaid II, Cinderella II, The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride and Bambi II, as well as in championing the “Disney Fairies” property.

• Lisa Ayala-Williams, VP, worldwide creative services
• Sandra Brewer, VP, on-demand marketing
• Cherylyn Carr, assistant general counsel
• Marlo Carruth, assistant chief counsel
• Lori Cohen-Elias, VP, global product management
• Cynthia Cruz, VP, contract administration
• Michelle Davis, VP, global product management
• Elizabeth Duke, assistant chief counsel
• Lindsey Green, VP, pay-television and digital sales
• Robin Greer, VP, worldwide creative services
• Kim Harbin, VP, communications
• Jennifer Lourie, VP, global product management
• Yulia Poltorak, VP, international in-home sales
• Shayna Smith, VP, international in-home sales
• Liz West, VP, publicity

 

WARNER BROS.

• Russell Arons, SVP, worldwide marketing, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
Arons heads up global marketing for packaged and digital video game franchises, including “Batman,” “The Lord of the Rings” and “Lego.” Her responsibilities include the launch of video game content across all platforms, including Sony’s PlayStation, Microsoft’s Xbox, PC, Apple, Android and Facebook. Arons leads a team of more than 40 people across global marketing, public relations, consumer research and customer relationship management.

• Wendy L. Aylsworth, SVP, technology, Warner Bros. Technical Operations, Warner Bros. Entertainment
Aylsworth oversees the establishment of new technologies for Warner Bros. production divisions and assesses the impact of emerging technologies on content creation and distribution. Her department weighs in on national and international technical standards. She is the president of the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers and most recently helped enable the rollout of high frame rate projection systems for the opening of Peter Jackson’s “Hobbit” trilogy.

• Debra Baker, SVP, global business development, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment
Baker is charged with driving new business partnerships, models, channels and products across the video, digital distribution, games and direct-to-consumer businesses at the studio. She seeks out forward-looking opportunities for those units, recommending new businesses, products and revenue streams that are consistent with front-line innovation to help support and drive company priorities.

• Nicole Coleman, SVP, sales integration, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment
Coleman directs the studio’s internal functions related to sustaining and facilitating North American physical and digital commercial activity. She is responsible for all elements and personnel related to customer business planning, sales reporting and systems, retail trade policy and terms, trade funds management, and sales goals and incentives. Previously, Coleman held a variety of posts in the home entertainment industry.

• Kristina Fugate, SVP, marketing, new release, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment
Theatrical new-release marketing efforts in the United States for Warner titles across disc and digital platforms fall on Fugate’s shoulders. She’s responsible for developing marketing strategies for top franchises, including “The Dark Knight,” “Harry Potter,” “Sherlock Holmes” and “The Hangover,” and recent titles including Argo, 42, The Great Gatsby and Pacific Rim. She joined Warner in 2004 as director of domestic marketing.

• Jacqueline Hayes, SVP, business and legal affairs, and deputy general counsel, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment
Hayes provides legal counsel on matters concerning the acquisition, distribution and copy protection of content for packaged and digital media. She is instrumental in developing Warner’s business models and licenses for digital distribution across new-media platforms. She has become increasingly involved in new technology and copy protection issues associated with such distribution.

• Rosemary Markson, SVP, TV and special-interest marketing, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment
Markson oversees management of all Warner TV properties for home entertainment, with responsibilities covering business strategy, product development, consumer marketing and retail programs. She’s also responsible for managing talent and studio relationships and ensuring key content partners are properly serviced. Markson’s responsibilities include both disc and digital distribution.

• Dorinda Marticorena, SVP, worldwide marketing and new technology, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment
Marticorena leads global product development and marketing strategies and campaigns for more than 300 releases a year. She oversees global product marketing and market research, online marketing and product planning, and mastering for Blu-ray, 3D, UltraViolet and other digital products. She also manages relationships with production, and platform partners as well as CE companies.

• Ardis H. Rubenstein, SVP, worldwide creative advertising, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment 

For more than two decades, Rubenstein has presided over the growth of home entertainment at Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, from its infancy to today’s complex mix of Blu-ray Disc and digital product offerings. She has guided her creative team, using an acute eye for design and sharp advertising edge, through ever-changing and demanding times.

• Samantha Ryan, SVP, development and production, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
Ryan oversees the development and production teams responsible for all of the company’s video games, including those based on studio franchises, outside licenses and original properties, from inception all the way through to public release. Previously, Ryan was CEO of Warner’s game developer, Monolith.

• Linda Wang, SVP, human resources, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment
Wang is charged with leading and directing worldwide recruitment, benefits, compensation, employee relations, performance management and organizational development for Warner Bros. Home Entertainment and Warner Bros. Television Distribution. Her team has managed the growth of the studio’s physical and digital businesses by ensuring the company is well positioned to attract and retain the best talent.

 

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• Carrie Dieterich, VP, marketing and industry relations, Entertainment Merchants Association
Dieterich oversees logistics for all EMA-supported events,  including the Los Angeles Entertainment Summit and EMA’s Independent Product Market and Digital Media Pipeline. Dieterich has been with EMA since 1994, when it was known as the Video Software Dealers Association, and is well regarded throughout the industry for her relationships and attention to detail that make these industry events effective and productive.

• Karen Mika, SVP, home entertainment, ASG (AGI-Shorewood Group)
For some of the best home entertainment packaging in the industry, studios have turned to ASG, and that means turning to Mika. A longtime industry veteran, she has been on the packaging side for more than seven years, joining Shorewood Packaging in 2007. Mika got her start in the business in 1989 with Buena Vista Home Entertainment, becoming director of retail inventory management. After a short stint with GM, Karen returned to Los Angeles in 1999 to become the SVP of supply chain for Universal Studios Home Entertainment. She joined Shorewood in 2007 to oversee all national media accounts. Shorewood would eventually merge with AGI in 2011, forming ASG. From VHS to DVD, Mika has more than 24 years of home entertainment experience.

• Amy Jo Smith, President, DEG: The Digital Entertainment Group
Smith was promoted in August 2013 to president of DEG from her role as executive director, and has been at the helm of the organization since its inception in 1997. Under Smith’s guidance, the DEG, currently celebrating its 17th anniversary, has seen its membership increase to include 60 leading companies in the home entertainment space. Smith was honored in 2007 with the Visionary Award, presented by Home Media Magazine and The Hollywood Reporter. She earned a B.A. in communications from the University of Pennsylvania.

• Bhanu Srikanth, CEO, Jargon Technologies
Srikanth founded Jargon in 2009, helping establish the company as a leader in interactive media technology for mobile, Blu-ray and other interactive platforms. Prior to joining Jargon, Srikanth was manager of technology integration at Panasonic Hollywood Lab, where as part of the core R&D team she was involved in the development and evolution of the Blu-ray format. Her role included kickstarting Blu-ray authoring during the launch of the format as well as overseeing advanced title and tools development to help PHL expose the capabilities of the format.

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THE INDEPENDENTS

ANCHOR BAY ENTERTAINMENT

• Julie Cartwright, EVP, worldwide marketing
Cartwright, who joined Anchor Bay in 1999, oversees marketing for all Anchor Bay releases, including all titles through the Anchor Bay Films division, Starz Original series, The Weinstein Co., RADiUS Films and international programming sourced from Anchor Bay’s Canadian, Australian and U.K. divisions. Most notably, Cartwright has overseen ABE’s fitness category for the past decade, driving huge growth in the category throughout that time. She has expanded distribution into new retail channels and forged partnerships with several Fortune 500 companies.

• Erin McGregor, SVP, operations
McGregor is responsible for all North American operations. She oversees the replication and shipment of more than 25 million disc units annually, for The Weinstein Co., RADiUS and Anchor Bay home entertainment operations. She works with IT, finance, legal, sales and marketing to help drive major efficiency and cost savings.

• Jennifer Roberts, SVP, brand marketing
For all marketing and creative strategies for home entertainment titles for Anchor Bay Films, RADiUS and The Weinstein Co., Anchor Bay Entertainment turns to Roberts. Since joining the company in 2007, Roberts has helped drive Anchor Bay to gain market share with double-digit revenue growth year-over-year.

• Sally Seraphim, SVP, sales
Seraphim helps drive home entertainment sales and manages the company’s biggest retail accounts, including Walmart and Best Buy. Her innovative ideas include placing fitness lines in sporting goods sections, and family and children’s properties in toy departments. She helmed the release of Django Unchained and spearheads sales and advertising on “The Walking Dead” franchise.

• Edie Bartlett, VP, sales
• Erin Carter, VP, brand marketing
• Cindy Chen, VP, business and affairs, legal
• Patsy Fox, executive director, sales
• Roxanne Giordano, executive director, worldwide business support, sales
• Julianne Gorman, director, brand marketing
• Jane McCowan, VP, retail marketing, sales
• Nancy Valle, VP, post production

 

CINEDIGM

• Susan Margolin, President, Docurama and special acquisitions
Margolin co-founded New Video Group with Steve Savage in 1991 and built it into a successful distributor. When Cinedigm Entertainment Group acquired New Video, she became co-president of Cinedigm, leading the content and marketing groups. Under Margolin, the company acquired Oscar-nominated films, including The Invisible War and Hell and Back Again. Margolin’s reputation as a sales and marketing powerhouse has been accrued throughout 25 years in the distribution business.

• Aimee Connolly, EVP, operations
Connolly is a 20-year-plus veteran of the multiplatform home entertainment industry. She most recently served as COO of Cinedigm Entertainment and now manages all aspects of operations for the now-combined assets of Cinedigm and Gaiam Vivendi Entertainment. Connolly was instrumental in driving New Video to become a leader in the digital space when she served as COO.

• Yolanda Macías, EVP, acquisitions and studio relations
With more than 20 years of experience, Macías is responsible for sourcing, evaluating, negotiating and acquiring content for all distribution platforms. In addition, she oversees the strategy, growth and relationships with the distributed content providers. While at Gaiam Vivendi Entertainment, Macías oversaw content acquisitions and led the digital and television distribution teams as head of business development and digital distribution.

• Jill Newhouse Calcaterra, EVP, corporate, communications
Newhouse Calcaterra is a nonstop evangelist for Cinedigm and has worked alongside CEO and chairman Chris McGurk since he joined the rapidly expanding company in early 2011. She spearheads many of the company’s business development initiatives, including the recent partnerships with BitTorrent, Vuze, Spondo and others, and is tireless in her pursuit of all things “new, different and cutting-edge.”

• Susanne Leahy, SVP, finance
Leahy joined New Video (acquired by Cinedigm in 2012) in June 2000. As SVP of finance and operations, content and entertainment division, at Cinedigm, her primary role is to direct the daily activities of the finance and operations department. Leahy is also responsible for the division’s budgeting and internal financial reporting and analysis.

• Bobbi Levine, SVP, production
Levine is responsible for the production of physical, digital, VOD and theatrical content, and oversees the Cinedigm in-house studio as well as relationships with outsourcing partners. She works with iTunes, Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, Google, PlayStation, Xbox, Walmart’s Vudu and other digital partners. Levine previously served at 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment.

 

GAIAM

• Susan Haney, SVP, marketing
An experienced marketing executive with 24 years in the entertainment and fitness industries, Haney is responsible for marketing and development for all trade initiatives representing national fitness brands such as Gaiam, Reebok and SPRI. Haney began her career with top home video retail and rental chains Palmer Video and West Coast Entertainment before moving to GoodTimes
Entertainment. 

 

GRINDSTONE HOME ENTERTAINMENT

• Christy Cannon, VP, marketing
Cannon, with more than 20 years of experience in home entertainment, has played an integral role in the continued growth of Grindstone Entertainment Group throughout the past six years. She supervises the marketing campaigns for all Grindstone titles. She plays a leading role in coordinating marketing, creative, promotions, publicity and distribution. She previously held positions with Sterling Home Entertainment, Hallmark Entertainment and Imperial Entertainment.

 

HBO HOME ENTERTAINMENT

• Sofia Chang, EVP and GM
Chang was appointed to her current position in March 2013, but has been with HBO since 2000. While in the positions of VP of marketing and SVP of marketing and creative services, she oversaw the marketing of the Emmy- and Peabody-winning series “The Sopranos,” and led the development of several award-winning DVD advertising campaigns. In 2008, Chang was promoted to SVP of consumer marketing and retail products, and began overseeing HBO’s licensing business, where she led the expansion of the company’s licensed products into Europe, South America and Asia. In March 2012 she became SVP of programming strategy and planning. During Chang’s tenure, HBO expanded into new product categories, including fragrances, cosmetics and digital gaming across multiple franchises, including “Game of Thrones.” She earned a B.A. in English from the University of Pennsylvania.

INCEPTION MEDIA GROUP

• Lisa Yedlin, SVP, sales
Since joining Inception in November 2009, Yedlin runs the company’s hard-goods sales force and works with its television team on VOD efforts. With more than 20 years of independent film and special-interest packaged-media sales and promotion experience, Yedlin brings to Inception long-term relationships with key national wholesale and retail accounts, content suppliers and talent, plus a comprehensive understanding of the entire product lifecycle. She previously held senior sales positions at Image Entertainment, Lionsgate and WEA, a division of Time Warner.

PBS DISTRIBUTION

• Andrea Downing, Co-President
Downing has spearheaded numerous program launches while creating innovative strategies for PBS Distribution, formed in 2009. She has also been instrumental in the formation of PBS America, and in expanding the organization’s focus to become a multichannel, multiformat distribution unit, all while creating significant growth in the wholesale and digital distribution divisions. Downing has led her team to maximize the value of Masterpiece’s hit “Downton Abbey,” which was awarded the Entertainment Merchants Association’s top sellthrough disc by an independent studio.

RLJ ENTERTAINMENT INC.

• Sylvia George, President, U.S.
George has been a key player in integrating the Image and Acorn wholesale businesses in the United States, and finding new opportunities for the larger, more diverse RLJ Entertainment library. She has more than 14 years of experience in bringing content to audiences throughout North America.

• Sylvie Yang, SVP, controller
Yang helms the accounting groups at RLJ Entertainment, supporting business operations. With more than 23 years of home entertainment industry experience, she previously worked at Image Entertainment (before the RLJ Entertainment acquisition) and KPMG.

• Jen Linck, VP, Acorn TV
Linck was instrumental in the development of the company’s first ever direct-to-consumer digital initiative in 2010. Under her guidance, Acorn TV subscriptions doubled from 2011 to 2012 and are on track to double again in 2013. Linck previously led all consumer, retail and trade marketing efforts for Acorn Media’s U.S. wholesale division, and oversaw all of Acorn’s sales to Amazon, Netflix and iTunes. RLJ acquired Acorn in 2012.

• Linda Schortz, VP, marketing, Image brands
Since coming to Image (acquired by RLJ in 2012), Schortz has made significant contributions to the company’s film marketing. Prior to joining Image, she worked in MGM Home Entertainment’s international marketing group and at Genius Products, where she managed domestic marketing for home video releases, including titles from The Weinstein Co.

SHOUT! FACTORY

• Melissa Boag, VP, kids and family entertainment
Boag directs department staff in product management, marketing, publicity, customer service, cross-platform advertising, promotions and brand development. She oversees strategy for the kids and family sector and is immersed in channel management, retail strategies, e-commerce and acquisitions.

• Kathy Callahan, Associate VP, sales and e-commerce
Callahan has been with Shout! Factory for six years and is a key member of the sales department, managing consumer catalogs, non-traditional accounts, artist sales and more. She’s critical to Shout’s success in e-commerce and handles revenue-generating affiliates.

• Lauren Blum, Senior Director, publicity
Blum has more than a decade of publicity experience working with a variety of musical artists, actors, directors and comedians for music and DVD releases. Recent campaigns include the “My Little Pony” home entertainment product line and Mel Brooks: Make a Noise, among others.

WOLFE VIDEO

• Maria Lynn, President
Lynn is a visionary leader and marketing specialist within the LGBT niche market. Her experience includes strategic partnerships with all mainstream platforms, including Netflix, Showtime, Amazon, iTunes, YouTube and Hulu. Now in its 28th year, Wolfe is internationally known as the leader in mainstreaming films with gay content. Lynn has boosted the Wolfe label and WolfeVideo.com with promotional work for other studios and distributors. Recently, she became CEO at Lesbian.com, and together, these two businesses create a formidable slice of the LGBT marketplace.

 

 

THE RETAILERS & DIGITAL DELIVERY

COMCAST CABLE

• Maggie McLean Suniewick, VP, programming
Suniewick manages editorial and programming across all video platforms and consumer interfaces, including Xfinity On Demand and Xfinity TV. In addition, she oversees the content development team and works closely with content partners to bring their programming to as many platforms as possible.

HULU

• Elaine Paul, CFO, strategy and business development
Paul joined Hulu as CFO in October. Prior to joining Hulu, she served as SVP of corporate strategy at the Walt Disney Co., where she led various acquisitions, new business initiatives and strategic investments, including Disney’s original investment in Hulu in 2009. In addition to her work in corporate strategy, she previously served as VP of business development for the Walt Disney Internet Group. She received her M.B.A. from the Harvard Business School and a degree in economics from Stanford University.

 

NETFLIX

• Elizabeth Bradley, VP, content acquisition
Bradley licenses television content for Netflix in the United States, and television and features in Canada. Elizabeth joined Netflix in 2006, negotiating DVD agreements, and in 2010 joined a newly formed team focused on the licensing strategy for the television marketplace. Prior to joining Netflix, Bradley spent time at DreamWorks, Fox and Warner. She holds an economics degree from Northwestern University.

• Pauline Fischer, VP, content acquisition
Fischer manages film content acquisition from major studios and mini-major partners, including Lionsgate. She previously held positions in worldwide acquisitions and strategy, planning and business development at Paramount Pictures.

• Bryony Gagan, VP, business and legal affairs
Gagan oversees business and legal affairs related to content acquisition, original productions and DVD-by-mail. She is a graduate of Stanford Law School and Georgetown University.

• Cindy Holland, VP, original content
Holland manages Netflix’s original series initiative, which includes “Lilyhammer,” “House of Cards,” “Arrested Development,” “Orange Is the New Black,” “Hemlock Grove” and the recently greenlighted “The Killing,” among others. She previously co-managed the DVD business.

• Anna Lee, VP, content acquisition, head of global content services
Lee oversees packaged-media acquisitions as well as digital content services for global territories. She previously worked at Bertelsmann AG and Time Warner.

• Kelly Merryman, VP, content acquisition

Merryman manages content acquisitions for Netflix’s foreign expansion. Previously, she held positions in digital distribution and business development at Sony Pictures, and spent time at both Bain & Co. and Audax Group, a private equity firm in Boston.

• Lisa Nishimura-Seese, VP, original documentary and comedy programming
Nishimura-Seese manages Netflix’s original documentary and comedy initiative, which includes Buried Alive from Aziz Ansari and Notorious as well as docu-series “Russell Peters vs. The World.” Joining Netflix in 2007, she previously oversaw global independent studio content acquisition.

• Jessica Rodriguez, VP, content acquisition

Rodriguez manages content acquisitions for Latin America. She previously held business development and GM positions at Discovery Channel, Landmark Communications, National Geographic Channels, Universal and BBC Worldwide for Latin America.

 

REDBOX

• Anne Saunders, President, Redbox
In 2012, Redbox parent Coinstar, now Outerwall, turned to Saunders for its new president, to keep the kiosk operator increasing its market share as the No. 1 rental outlet for discs. Before joining Redbox, Saunders was EVP and CMO for Knowledge Universe, a provider of private early childhood education. Prior to that, she worked at Bank of America as an SVP. She’s also held a number of positions at Starbucks, where she was responsible for global brand strategy, marketing and communications.

• Kiera Hynninen, SVP, marketing
Hynninen oversees Redbox’s efforts to grow the business and brand by leveraging its customers and industry-leading marketing assets. She joined Redbox in March, bringing marketing and brand strategy experience she garnered at such companies as Kraft Foods, Holiday Inn, The Weather Channel and National Geographic Channels. 

 

ROKU

• Collette Bunton, GM, devices
Bunton leads the devices group, which is responsible for getting Roku products into the hands of consumers around the world. Bunton has worked with many successful consumer electronics and technology companies during the past 25 years. Prior to joining Roku, she held positions at Logitech as VP of mergers and acquisitions and as VP of sales and marketing. She has also held sales roles at 3M, Compaq and Acer. Bunton holds a bachelor’s degree in business from the University of Washington.

• Kim Funk, VP and general counsel
Funk joined Roku in 2011 as VP, general counsel and corporate secretary. She guides Roku in all legal matters. She brings 23 years of combined private practice and in-house legal experience to Roku. She earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Texas at Austin and a J.D., cum laude, from the University of Houston Law Center.

 

STARZ

• Melissa Harper, SVP, original programming production
Harper is instrumental in the increase in original programming production at the company throughout the past few years and now has expanded responsibilities as the volume of Starz original series continues to grow. She served in similar capacities at the VP levels before the recent promotion.

• Mara Winokur, SVP, digital media, business development and strategy
Winokur serves as the lead executive for the division, charged with overseeing every aspect of the company’s digital business, covering film, TV and other digital content. She oversees a team that covers all licensing, syndication and digital distribution of Starz content.

• Jodi Robinson, VP, Internet and interactive technology
Robinson oversees the direction and execution of Starz’s TV Everywhere platform and client applications. Starz Play, Encore Play and MoviePlex Play give authenticated access to subscribers. She also leads the interactive TV and advanced services development efforts.

 

WALMART

• Laura Phillips, SVP, general merchandise manager, entertainment
To help manage its entertainment business — for consumer electronics, home entertainment and more — Walmart looks to Phillips, who manages product development, sourcing, buying and merchandise development. Joining Walmart in 1994 as a store intern, she transitioned to the Walmart home office as the buyer for toys, cosmetics and flowers a year later. In 2003, she was promoted to VP and divisional merchandise manager, serving in various departments. In 2010, Phillips was promoted to SVP of toys, seasonal, celebrations and seasonal key events.

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