MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Entertainment chairman and CEO Michael Lynton has had his contract extended to 2012.
Lynton joined Sony Pictures in January, 2004 and since then the studio has showed stability and success across its lines of business, which include motion picture and television production and distribution, home entertainment acquisition and distribution and digital content creation.
Sony Corporation chairman and CEO Sir Howard Stringer said, “Michael Lynton’s financial acumen and firm grasp of content in the digital era is exactly what’s needed to lead a studio in the 21st century. Together he and Amy have become a forceful and dynamic team, guiding the studio to even greater heights than I could have hoped. I am delighted that they will both continue on in their roles for years to come.”
Under the leadership of Lynton and co-chairman Amy Pascal, Sony Pictures broke the all-time motion picture industry record by taking in more than $1.7 billion at the domestic box office in 2006, with a record thirteen #1 films.
In September, 2006, Pascal was promoted to co-chairman of Sony Pictures and her contract was extended to 2011.
The studio has also seen growth in its domestic and international television, home entertainment and digital businesses. During Lynton’s tenure, Sony Pictures has expanded its global presence with the creation of an international motion picture production group and the establishment of new television channels in countries around the world.
Lynton has also overseen the studio’s entry into the digital distribution of content, the development of the Blu-ray disc business and the acquisition of Crackle, an online streaming entertainment network.
Lynton commented, “I am grateful to Howard for his confidence in me, and thankful that I have a chance to work with some of the best minds in the entertainment business, starting with my partner, Amy Pascal, as well as everyone who has helped us achieve so much these past few years. I enjoy my work more than words can easily express, and hope to continue growing this business for years to come, as we expand globally and use new technologies to bring entertainment to more people in more ways than ever before.”
During Lynton’s time at Sony Pictures, the studio released major motion pictures as The Da Vinci Code, Talladega Nights: The Ballad Of Ricky Bobby, Casino Royale, Superbad, The Pursuit of Happyness and Spider-Man 3, and produced the television shows Rescue Me, ‘Til Death, Damages and Rules of Engagement and the mini-series Broken Trail, which recently won three Emmy Awards. Upcoming motion pictures on the 2008 slate from the studio include Bond 22, Hancock, You Don’t Mess With The Zohan, Step Brothers and Angels & Demons, and the studio is producing 10 pilots for domestic broadcast and cable networks for the 2008-2009 season.
