Home Entertainment
January 29, 2004
Warner Home Video Announces Executive Restructure And New Business Unit
(January 29, 2004 – Burbank, CA) – To optimize resources in its global operations and further expand its number one position in the marketplace, Warner Home Video (WHV) has made strategic changes in its organization, it was announced today by Jim Cardwell, President, WHV.
Effective immediately, this reorganization will facilitate the launch of a new global business transformation initiative while ensuring the continued success of its worldwide business.
“We have been successful in bringing DVD to the forefront of the video marketplace. Now the challenges are not only increasing our global business but also optimizing our resources and upgrading our business processes,” said Cardwell. “I believe the new management organization will provide WHV with the right team to implement these changes and manage our future business.”
Mark Horak will become Executive Vice President and General Manager for Canada, Latin America and Australia. Horak, formerly Executive Vice President of Worldwide Marketing, was responsible for building worldwide release strategies on such titles as “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” and “Matrix Reloaded.” He also bolstered cooperation across WB divisions, especially between WHV and the domestic and international theatrical operations, to optimize release strategies. In his new role he will be responsible for managing his region’s P&L as well as growing DVD penetration within his territories. Horak joined WHV in 1995 as Director of Marketing and held numerous executive marketing roles, including Senior Vice President, US Marketing. Previously he held marketing positions with Dole, RJR Nabisco and StarKist Seafoods. He earned a BBA from Loyola Marymount University and received his MBA from The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.
Jeffrey M. Brown relocates from WHV Europe to become Senior Vice President, Worldwide Marketing from his role as Senior Vice President and Co-Managing Director for Europe, Middle East and Africa. Brown joined WHV in 1996 as Director of Marketing – US rental and was promoted to Vice President, International Marketing in 1999 where he was responsible for coordinating marketing and promotional strategies for DVD market expansion. Previously, he held positions with Nestle Food Group, General Mills and The Gap Stores. He earned a BS in Finance and BA from The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania and holds an MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business.
Philippe Cardon will lead WHV’s Europe, Middle East and African operations as Senior Vice President and General Manager and continue to supervise the rapid growth of DVD in these territories. Cardon joined WHV France in 1991 as Director of Finance and Administration and was promoted to Deputy Managing Director in 1994. He previously held positions with Ernst and Young, Paris and Warner Bros./Columbia as Director of Theatrical Finance. He holds a Graduate degree in Sales and Finance from the EDC School in Paris.
Marc Gareton, previously Senior Vice President for Canada, Latin America and Australia, will become the head of the newly created Global Business Transformation Unit. Keith Hillyer will join him in the role of Senior Vice President, Business Modelling. This Global Business Transformation Unit will define future business models globally, regionally and locally and will assess operating models, policies, processes and organization. Gareton joined WHV in 1995 in a senior marketing role in France prior to his appointment as WHV’s Managing Director for Australia and New Zealand. He previously held management positions with Group Moulinex-Krups and holds an MBA from Reims Management School in France. Hillyer joined WHV UK in 1990 as Director of Finance prior to being promoted to Deputy Managing Director for WHV Benelux. He was later appointed Vice President for Europe, Middle East and Africa before relocating to WHV Burbank as Vice President, Finance – US. He is a member of the Chartered Association of Certified Accountants.
With operations in 89 international territories, Warner Home Video commands the largest distribution infrastructure in the global video marketplace. Warner Home Video’s film library is the largest of any studio, offering top quality new and vintage titles from the repertoires of Warner Bros. Pictures Inc., Turner Entertainment Company, Castle Rock Entertainment, HBO Home Video and New Line Home Entertainment.# # #