Press Releases

CULVER CITY, CA (December 1, 2011) - Adrian Smith has been promoted to executive vice president, general sales manager for Sony Pictures Releasing, it was announced today by Jim Amos, president, Sony Pictures Releasing, to whom Smith will report.

In his new role, Smith - in concert with Amos and Rory Bruer, president of Worldwide Distribution - will oversee the domestic sales of all of Sony Pictures' films. He is currently working with exhibitors to book such titles as Columbia Pictures' The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, Ghost Rider™ Spirit of Vengeance, 21 Jump Street, The Pirates! Band of Misfits (from Aardman for Sony Pictures Animation), Men in Black™ 3, I Hate You Dad, The Amazing Spider-Man™, and Total Recall, as well as Screen Gems' Underworld Awakening, The Vow, and Think Like a Man.

Commenting on the announcement, Amos said, "Adrian has been a respected member of our sales and distribution team for more than 20 years. He has been crucial to our success with a wealth of knowledge and experience that few can match. As we look ahead to 2012 and beyond, our exhibition partners are as excited as we are about our upcoming slate of films and we look forward to relying on Adrian's skills as we bring this high profile slate to the marketplace. We are thrilled to recognize his hard work with this well deserved promotion and look forward to his leadership in this important role. "

Bruer added, "I could not be more pleased to have Adrian in this new role. He has made me look good for years at Tri-Star and Sony Pictures Western Division, and he continues to be the consummate professional who is admired by his peers in exhibition and his colleagues at Sony Pictures. I believe that Adrian and Jim make an incredible team."

Smith is a veteran of hundreds of release campaigns having joined the studio's TriStar Pictures in 1989 as Western District Manager. He later became Managing Director-West for Sony Pictures Releasing and since 2000 has served as SPR's Senior Vice President, Western Division Manager. Prior to joining the studio, Smith held posts at 20th Century Fox and Cannon Releasing. He began his career at Mann's Westwood theatres, then joined United Artists Releasing in 1979, starting as a booker before becoming the Detroit Branch Manager.

ABOUT SONY PICTURES ENTERTAINMENT
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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Steve Elzer
Senior Vice President, Media Relations
(310) 244-7142
steve_elzer@spe.sony.com