MUMBAI: Derek Powell has been promoted to senior vice president and general manager of Warner Bros Entertainment’s Global Digital Media Xchange (GDMX).

Powell will succeed Paul Saccone, who has announced his intention to retire later this year. Saccone has served as senior vice president and general manager of GDMX for the past 10 years and will remain with GDMX during Powell’s transition.

Powell will oversee GDMX, Warner Bros. Entertainment’s 100,000-square foot production facility specializing in digital video compression, DVD authoring and digital content distribution services – including broadcast, DVD, VOD and vault operations across all product categories (new release, catalog and special interest). Specifically, he will be charged with developing and implementing key operating strategies, maximizing the market potential of content distribution services, optimizing processes and workflows, and developing strategic technology partnerships.

Warner Bros. Technical Operations president Darcy Antonellis said, "GDMX is a massive operation, and Derek will play a crucial role in ensuring our continued success in this complicated and ever-changing environment. This promotion recognizes Derek’s proven leadership abilities, his commitment to excellence and the many contributions he has made since joining the company. I look forward to working with him in his new role as head of GDMX."

Prior to his current post, Powell served as Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group vice president, worldwide supply chain management and DVD production.