MUMBAI: Warner Bros France has appointed Emmanuel Durand as vice president marketing. Reporting to Warner Bros France president director general Iris Knobloch, he will be responsible for marketing across theatrical, video, digital, and games, and will join the company in May.
With this appointment, and the company’s new management structure in place, Warner Bros. France aims to pursue its growth strategy by fostering a more integrated approach in a context of ever stronger media convergence and changing consumer needs.
In the new structure, Olivier Snanoudj (deputy MD for theatrical distribution), under the direction of Knobloch, will take on responsibility for the theatrical distribution of Warner’s US and French productions, working closely with Emmanuel Durand as VP of the new marketing function.
Building on the strong position Warner Bros. has achieved in France as a partner to the local production community, Knobloch will assume direct responsibility for Warner’s local production and acquisition strategy in France, in close cooperation with Richard Fox (executive VP, international, Warner Bros.). The remaining senior management team comprises Yves Elalouf, (VP, sales and operations for video, games, and consumer products) , Caroline Lang, (managing director & VP Warner Bros Television) and Julie Demarigny (digital distribution executive director).
"This newly created joint marketing function will be critical to the company’s marketing strategies, from a film’s initial release throughout all release windows. I am thrilled that Emmanuel Durand has decided to join us. His exceptional track record of creativity and business acumen will be key assets for our new organization. His extensive marketing experience across various industries will be instrumental in creating a best in class marketing function, critical to achieving our ambitious business objectives," said Knobloch.
Warner Bros. Pictures president, worldwide marketing Sue Kroll added, "As people seek new ways to enjoy and access our entertainment brands, a co-ordinated strategic marketing approach becomes ever more critical to business success. I’m delighted that in France, we will be bringing our marketing functions all under a single executive of Emmanuel’s calibre."
"Emmanuel’s appointment will be enormously helpful in the implementation of Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group’s unified strategy for packaged goods and digital offerings. His record of success and wide range of experience are a welcome addition to our team." said International Home Video and Digital Distribution president Jim Wuthrich.
