Universal's International Theatrical Distribution Chief Named President, International, for Universal Pictures

Universal's International Theatrical Distribution Chief Named President, International, for Universal Pictures

Newly Created Position Provides Kosse Greater Strategic Input Across International Film Divisions

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif., July 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Chairmen of Universal Pictures Marc Shmuger and David Linde today announced the promotion of the company's U.K.-based international distribution head, David Kosse, to President, International, for Universal Pictures. 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 maximizing 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 President of Universal Pictures International Home Entertainment Eddie Cunningham who reports to Vice Chairman, Universal Pictures & Executive Vice President, Universal Studios Rick Finkelstein and President, International Television Distribution Belinda Menendez who reports to Finkelstein and President, NBCU International Pete Smith. Kosse will continue to run UPI and report to Shmuger and Linde.

"David understands global markets better than anyone in our business and has been a primary reason for the success of UPI," said Shmuger and Linde. "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% 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 huge successes including Mamma Mia!, which was embraced by audiences in massive numbers across the globe; the film grossed more than $459 million at the international box office and more than $600 million worldwide.

"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," said Kosse. "This company recognizes 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."

Kosse became President of UPI in July of 2006 and managed the transition of the company's joint distribution venture with Paramount (UIP) in major international territories. On January 1, 2007, UPI became the studio's stand-alone overseas marketing and distribution company, with offices on four continents. Kosse, based in London, built and currently oversees Universal's international theatrical operations and is responsible for the strategic management of all of the company's international film releases.

Before creating UPI in 2006, Kosse served as President, International Marketing and Distribution, for Universal Pictures' international theatrical interests. Prior to rejoining Universal in 2004, Kosse launched and ran Momentum Pictures, which he built into one of Europe's largest independent film distributors. Before Momentum, Kosse served as Chairman of Universal Pictures U.K.

Kosse started his studio career at Polygram in 1993 as Senior Director of Marketing Video; there, he set up the company's U.S. division. In 1995, he was promoted to Vice President, Marketing, and, in 1997, he was named Senior Vice President. In that capacity, he was responsible for film, video and TV at PolyGram International. His previous positions include senior executive roles at HBO and Ogilvy and Mather Worldwide.

Kosse is a member of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, has sat on the BAFTA film committee and headed two BAFTA juries. He graduated from the University of Oregon at Eugene in 1984 with a B.A. in business administration and journalism.

About Universal Pictures

Universal Pictures is a division of Universal Studios (www.universalstudios.com). Universal Studios is part of NBC Universal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production and marketing of entertainment, news and information to a global audience. Formed in May 2004 through the combining of NBC and Vivendi Universal Entertainment, NBC Universal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group and world-renowned theme parks. NBC Universal is 80% owned by General Electric, with 20% controlled by Vivendi.

Source: Universal Pictures

CONTACT: Kori Bernards of Universal Pictures, +1-818-777-7216,
kori.bernards@nbcuni.com

Web Site: http://www.universalstudios.com/

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