MUMBAI: Thomas Gewecke has been appointed as President of Warner Bros. Digital Distribution (WBDD).
In his new position, Gewecke will work closely with Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group, President, Kevin Tsujihara to further extend the company’s digital strategy and reach across current and emerging platforms.
Charged with global responsibility for the strategic growth initiatives around all of the Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group’s assets, Gewecke will drive development and execution of activities in the wireless, online, transactional video-on-demand (VOD)/pay-per-view (PPV) and electronic-sell-through (EST) sectors. He will also be responsible for identifying strategic partnerships and next generation distribution channels to open new revenue streams.
Said Tsujihara, “Thomas is a forward-thinking executive with a proven track record of successful execution. He will provide innovative leadership to a great team and we are very pleased to welcome him to Warner Bros.”
Gewecke most recently served as Executive Vice President, Global Digital Business for Sony BMG Music Entertainment, where he headed worldwide digital business development efforts and oversaw the creation of new digital ventures. As a key member of the digital leadership team, Gewecke was integral to the evolution and maturation of Sony BMG’s digital distribution model and was engaged in strategic initiatives, including the development of new digital product and sales plans, as well as M&A activities. In addition, Gewecke oversaw the company’s online advertising, digital long-form video, and direct-to-consumer commerce businesses, and led its expansion into the US off-deck mobile market.
Gewecke stated, “The Digital Distribution team, under Kevin’s leadership, has secured the company’s position at the head of the pack. I look forward to working with them to take full advantage of the opportunities presented by the emerging digital marketplace.”
Prior to Sony BMG, Gewecke was Senior Vice President of Business Development in the Digital Services Group for Sony Music Entertainment, Inc. While at Sony Music he founded and led its mobile business, building a dominant market position for the company; launching the industry’s first US master ringtone offering in mid 2003; and becoming the only record label to create and operate a major US on-deck direct-to-consumer mobile storefront. In addition to various other responsibilities, Gewecke also supervised Sony Music’s interest in certain digital media investments.
Gewecke also held the position of Publisher of the PC World Online Network at International Data Group (IDG). During his tenure with the company, he built IDG’s largest online publishing division and oversaw the launch of multiple internet properties. He also played a major role in the development of IDG’s overall digital strategy.
