MUMBAI: Lionsgate executive vice president and general sales manager David Spitz has agreed to a new long-term contract with the studio.

Spitz will report to Lionsgate president Motion Picture Group, and co-chief operating officer Joe Drake.

Drake said, "David is a natural leader and savvy distribution strategist, and he’s played a critical role in bringing Lionsgate to new levels of audience awareness and financial success. As we continue to expand our feature film slate, David’s expertise and depth of understanding will give us a tremendous competitive advantage when it comes to maximizing the potential of every one of our titles. We are proud and happy to have him as a member of the Lionsgate family."

Spitz added, "Lionsgate is a wonderful studio to call home, and I’m looking forward to the busy, exciting days that lie ahead. While we mourn the untimely death of our dear friend and colleague, Steve Rothenberg, we are pledged to furthering his legacy of professional integrity, creative agility and savvy opportunism on behalf of our films."

Spitz is a 13-year veteran of Lionsgate and its predecessor companies, and was promoted to his current position in 2007. He began his entertainment industry career as a film buyer for Mann Theaters. He served two years as a regional branch manager for MGM Distribution, which was followed by a position as Western Division Manager at LIVE Entertainment.