Mike Fleming

Universal Pictures co-chairman Donna Langley appointed Peter Kujawski to the post of EVP Worldwide Acquisitions. Kujawski is currently EVP International Sales for the Universal-owned specialty film label Focus Features. The Universal features team got a vote of confidence when chairman Adam Fogelson was given an early re-up, and Langley is also negotiating to extend her term with the studio.

Kujawski is charged with centralizing and streamlining Universal’s acquisitions and to maximize distribution opportunities. He’ll report to Langley and be based in Los Angeles. He isn’t replacing anyone directly, but does pick up some of the slack left when Christian Grass left the studio in July. Kujawski will also work closely with Universal Pictures President of International David Kosse. “Peter’s vast experience selling specialty films gives him a unique perspective on the global marketplace and undeniably qualifies him to lead our acquisitions efforts,” Langley said.

At Focus, Kujawski has sold such films as Volver, House of Flying Daggers and Curse of the Golden Flower, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Burn After Reading, Lost in Translation, The Constant Gardener, Eastern Promises and Brokeback Mountain. Recent sales include the Joe Wright-directed Hanna, Tom Tykwer and Andy and Lana Wachowski’s Cloud Atlas and the Roger Michell-directed Hyde Park on the Hudson. Kujawski has been with Focus since 2002, and before that he worked with Focus CEO James Schamus at Good Machine before that company was absorbed into Universal when Schamus came aboard.