MUMBAI: In a move reflecting Lionsgate's continued globalization, Zygi Kamasa has entered a new long-term agreement to continue serving as Lionsgate UK CEO and to assume additional new responsibilities as CEO of Lionsgate's European office.
Kamasa, who has led Lionsgate's self-distribution business in the UK to record revenue and profits, will continue to grow Lionsgate UK's film, television, home entertainment and digital businesses, including distribution of Lionsgate and Summit films, production and release of its own Lionsgate UK titles and third-party acquisitions. In his expanded role he will also spearhead Lionsgate's strategic growth initiatives and new business development across Europe, including potential coproduction arrangements, M&A initiatives and entry into new lines of business.
Lionsgate UK recently expanded its distribution slate to include Summit as well as Lionsgate releases (for Summit titles produced after July 2015). Lionsgate has also relocated its international sales and distribution headquarters to London, moving its international sales executives closer to key European markets.
"Zygi is one of the entrepreneurial executives playing a leadership role in moving Lionsgate forward around the world. He and his team have grown Lionsgate UK into a vibrant and diversified company, and his expanded mandate for Europe underscores our commitment to continue building Lionsgate into a next generation global content leader," said Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer.
"Zygi has achieved record results and established an important film brand at Lionsgate UK. His business acumen, creative leadership and strong talent relationships will be invaluable as he continues to grow Lionsgate UK's portfolio of businesses as well as exploring innovative growth opportunities across the European continent," said Lionsgate co-chief operating officer and Motion Picture Group president Steve Beeks.
Lionsgate UK is coming off two straight years of record revenue and profits as the company continues to diversify its slate and broaden its relationships. Kamasa and his team have overseen the investment, production and distribution of more than 350 films and have launched over 150 top ten box office hits in the UK, including the first three installments of Lionsgate's global blockbuster The Hunger Gamesfranchise, the Saw horror franchise, Olympus Has Fallen, Cabin in the Woods and Stephen Soderbergh's Magic Mike.
Kamasa, a staunch advocate of the UK film industry, has also developed a strong track record in investing in UK projects including: the worldwide hit Bend it Like Beckham; Lasse Hallstrom's Salmon Fishing in the Yemen, starring Ewan McGregor and Emily Blunt; the adaptation of Eric Lomax's autobiography The Railway Man, starring Colin Firth and Nicole Kidman; and the upcoming A Little Chaos, directed by Alan Rickman and starring Kate Winslet, Stanley Tucci and Matthias Schoenaerts.
"I'm delighted to continue growing our business within the entrepreneurial and forward-looking culture that Jon, Michael, Steve and the rest of the Lionsgate team have created. Lionsgate's emergence as a content leader with global scope positions us to continue building our portfolio of production and distribution businesses in the U.K. as well as exploring strategic opportunities across the European continent," said Kamasa.
