Focus Features has announced more executive hires in the wake of its recent restructuring. Focus CEO Peter Schlessel unveiled the leadership team in October in advance of the revamped company’s launch in January.
The executive positions announced Thursday will further support Schlessel’s goal to design a production, marketing, distribution and business affairs team that has expertise in both specialty and wide release films.
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FilmDistrict’s Beth Lemberger will be executive VP of business affairs, joining Howard Meyers, who is currently executive VP of business affairs, production at Focus. Both executives will report to Schlessel. FilmDistrict’s Kevin Monroe will also serve as senior VP of business affairs for Focus, reporting to Lemberger.
Focus’ Robert T. Gibson will continue as the company’s CFO and senior VP of finance, and report to Focus’ newly appointed COO Adrian Alperovich. Louis Phillips will remain as Focus’s executive VP of physical production, reporting to Alperovich.
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Brad Goldberg of FilmDistrict will serve as executive VP of marketing, reporting to Focus’ newly appointed president of marketing Christine Birch. FilmDistrict’s Tracy Pollard will become Focus’ senior VP of creative advertising and report to Birch.
Joshua M. McLaughlin will continue on with Focus and serve as senior VP of production, reporting to Focus’ president of production Jeb Brody.
FilmDistrict’s well-regarded executive Abby Ex, who previously worked at GK Films and the Weinstein Company, will become Focus’ senior VP of acquisitions, reporting to Lia Buman, who is Focus’ president of acquisitions.
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Additionally, Avy Eschenasy, who serves as Focus’ executive VP of strategic planning for business affairs and acquisitions, will serve as an advisor to Schlessel, Alperovich and Lemberger during the transition.