MUMBAI: Robin Russell has joined the Columbia TriStar Motion Picture Group as senior executive vice president of marketing and distribution, as announced by Jeff Blake, Chairman of Worldwide Marketing and Distribution for the Columbia TriStar Motion Picture Group and Vice Chairman of Sony Pictures Entertainment.
In her new role, Russell will oversee worldwide administration for the group’s theatrical motion pictures. Working closely with Blake, Russell will handle business affairs, operations, and guide strategic planning for the divisions.
Russell rejoins the Motion Picture Group after serving with Sony Pictures Home Entertainment for more than 10 years. As senior executive vice president of that division, Russell headed administration and business affairs as well as worldwide manufacturing and distribution of product for SPHE. During her tenure with the studio, she played an instrumental role in mapping the global, strategic business direction for SPHE.
Blake said, “As our business continues to evolve, having someone with Robin’s broad industry and operational experience is integral to our success. I have known Robin for many years and I have tremendous respect and admiration for her skill and her administrative experience. I know she will play a key role in defining our future strategy in the worldwide release of theatrical motion pictures.”
Russell joined SPE in 1993 as vice president, corporate business affairs. She was subsequently promoted to executive vice president, business affairs for Columbia Pictures. In this capacity, Russell oversaw Columbia’s business affairs operations, including negotiation of development and production agreements for the Studio, contract oversight and administration and supervision of all facets of Columbia’s business relationships with its creative family. In August 1996, Russell moved to the distribution side of the business and was named executive vice president for Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment.
Russell has been involved with the filmed entertainment business since 1981. Before joining SPE, Russell served as partner and chief financial officer, business affairs and administration for InterTalent.
Previously, she worked at Disney as senior vice president, business and legal affairs for the Walt Disney Pictures and Touchstone Pictures studios. She came to Disney from Paramount Pictures with the senior management team of Michael Eisner and Jeffrey Katzenberg. While at Paramount, Russell was senior attorney for Paramount Pictures’ motion picture division.
