Sony Pictures Digital Productions chief Bob Osher has been fired, an individual with knowledge of the situation told TheWrap.
Sony Pictures Digital Productions (SPDP) is comprised of Sony Pictures Imageworks, Sony Pictures Post Production Services, Worldwide Product Fulfillment, Studio Operations and Asset Management.
The newest shakeup at Sony comes just days after Tom Rothman was named as Amy Pascal‘s successor as chairman of the studio’s Motion Pictures Group.
In January, Sony hired Kristine Belson to be President of Sony Pictures Animation, taking the division out from under the SPDP banner.
Osher was named President of SPDP in 2008, having joined Sony in 2004 as chief operating officer of Columbia Pictures’ Motion Picture Group.
His previous roles also included Co-President of Production at Miramax Films and SVP of Business and Legal Affairs at Disney and Touchstone.
Sony Pictures Entertainment CEO Michael Lynton confirmed the exit in a memo to staff:
I wanted to share with you some news about changes to Sony Pictures Digital Productions (SPDP).
Bob Osher, currently President of SPDP, has decided to leave the studio to pursue other interests. I want to thank Bob for his 11 years of service and acknowledge the important role he played in strengthening the financial and operational foundation of SPDP, including launching successful franchises for Sony Pictures Animation (CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS, SMURFS and HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA) as well as turning Sony Pictures Imageworks into a profitable leading visual-effects company. Please join me in thanking him for his many contributions and wishing him the best in his future endeavors.
Separately, we are making some operational changes to SPDP’s businesses in order to increase collaboration across the studio and unite teams that work closely together. Imageworks will now be part of the Motion Picture Group. Post Production Services, Worldwide Product Fulfillment, Production Services, and Asset Management will now be aligned with both the Motion Picture Group and Sony Pictures Television. Randy Lake, Executive Vice President of SPDP, will continue in his new role leading the organization, reporting jointly to both the Television and Motion Picture Group.
The news was first reported by Variety.