Universal Hires Fox Digital’s Pete Levinsohn
EXCLUSIVE… 2ND UPDATE: I’ve learned that Pete Levinsohn, president of Fox New Media and Digital Distribution for News Corp, wanted more of a domain at the studio but couldn’t convince Twentieth Century Fox film chairman Jim Gianopulos. So he’s leaving for a big Universal job – President and Chief Distribution Officer of Universal Pictures. In this role, Levinsohn will oversee worldwide home entertainment, new media and digital strategy, technology, and international and domestic television distribution. He will work alongside Universal Pictures Chairman Adam Fogelson, co-Chairman Donna Langley, and Universal Pictures President Jimmy Horowitz on all aspects of Universal’s business. Levinsohn and Horowitz will share responsibility for Universal’s business development and strategic planning division with Horowitz focusing on the production side. President of Domestic Theatrical Distribution Nikki Rocco’s job doesn’t change: she heads the company’s North American theatrical distribution operations reporting to Fogelson.
Levinsohn will report to Fogelson who said in a statement issued after my scoop: “Peter is one of the foremost leaders in the space where technology meets entertainment. He is a seasoned strategic manager whose portfolio perfectly augments our leadership team. At this pivotal time in our business, Peter will be a real asset to Universal in meeting the challenges and harnessing the opportunities of an ever evolving business.” As the leader of Fox’s digital media business, Levinsohn drove digital media strategy at Fox Interactive Media and other departments. He’s a 25-year veteran of News Corp and took over Fox Interactive Media in November 2006. Before that he served a dual role as president of Fox Digital Media and president of Worldwide Pay Television and Video-on-Demand for Fox Filmed Entertainment.
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