Paramount Overhaul Creates Home Media Distribution Division, Leads To Jim Tharp Retirement, Tom Lesinski Exit

Paramount today gave further clarity on the realignment of several of its divisions, which the studio first unveiled in September and is now implementing. Among the many moves announced then was a plan to move Paramount’s head of international Andrew Cripps back to Los Angeles, where he can have more say in the kinds of films the studio makes and how they are exploited in the increasingly important global market. The studio said today that Cripps has chosen not to relocate, and he is leaving the company. Former Walt Disney Pictures International president Anthony Marcoly has been hired to take his place. We’re also hearing that 120 jobs will be lost as part of the restructuring, which includes Paramount’s Latin America regional oversight office in Rio being shuttered and moved to L.A.; the studio will continue to operate its Latin American distribution offices in Brazil and Mexico. Sales and distribution functions currently performed locally in territories internationally will remain unchanged — including, we’re hearing, in London, where Cripps was based.

Marcoly, who spent 26 years at Disney and oversaw the global success of the Pirates Of The Caribbean franchise, will report to studio vice chair Rob Moore; all country managers will report to Marcoly, who will oversee Paramount International’s distribution, finance and operations. Global theatrical marketing will be overseen by recently promoted Chief Marketing Officer Josh Greenstein. “We are undertaking this reorganization to best adapt to the global evolution in the movie business,” said Paramount Chairman & CEO Brad Grey. “We are grateful to Andrew for all he has done to help us build Paramount International, and we look forward to Anthony joining our team and bringing his extensive international experience to bear for our pictures.”