Trio of Distribution Executives Promoted at Paramount Pictures

Trio of Distribution Executives Promoted at Paramount Pictures

HOLLYWOOD, Calif., June 1 /PRNewswire/ -- John Hersker, Jim Orr and Tom Molen have been promoted to new positions in the Domestic Distribution Division of Paramount Pictures. The reorganization announcement was made today by Wayne Lewellen, President of Paramount Theatrical Distribution, and is effective immediately.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19991206/PARLOGO)

The promotions are part of a restructuring due to the departure of Steve Rapaport, Executive Vice President, Sales Operations. After 35 years at the company, Mr. Rapaport is stepping down from his post to become a consultant for Paramount Pictures.

"John, Jim and Tom are all capable and experienced executives, and I look forward to their expanded contributions to the success of our organization," said Wayne Lewellen, President of Paramount Theatrical Distribution. "That we were able to promote from within to fill these important positions is indicative of the strength of our distribution team at every level."

Mr. Hersker has been promoted to Executive Vice President, Distribution, and will report to Mr. Lewellen. In his new role, Mr. Hersker will direct all aspects of sales operations. He will continue to oversee the in-theatre marketing activities of the Exhibitor Services Department and the release planning and sales analysis functions of the Sales Administration Department. A 26-year Paramount veteran, Mr. Hersker previously served as Senior Vice President, Assistant General Sales Manager since 2001. Before that, he served as Vice President, Sales Administration, for seven years after holding a series of branch posts throughout the southern United States. He joined the company in 1979 as a salesman in the Philadelphia branch office.

Mr. Orr assumes the post of Senior Vice President, Distribution, and will report to Clark Woods, Executive Vice President, General Sales Manager. He previously served as Vice President, Eastern Division since 1999. He will be responsible for negotiating film rental terms with exhibitors and overseeing non-theatrical sales. He is also involved with Paramount's digital cinema activities. Mr. Orr began his career with Paramount in 1987 as a booker, and subsequently served in sales and branch positions in the Boston and Philadelphia territories.

Mr. Molen has been named Vice President, Eastern Division, and reports to Mr. Woods. He oversees Paramount's New York sales office and is responsible for the theatrical licensing of Paramount's films throughout the eastern United States. Mr. Molen previously served 16 years in a series of sales posts including Branch Manager for the Boston, Washington and Philadelphia territories. Before that, he worked in the accounting department for Paramount for four years.

Paramount Pictures is part of the entertainment operations of Viacom Inc., one of the world's largest entertainment and media companies, and a leader in the production, promotion, and distribution of entertainment, news, sports, and music.

Contact: Nancy Kirkpatrick Executive Vice President Worldwide Publicity (323) 956-5824

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19991206/PARLOGO AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/ PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com Source: Paramount Pictures

CONTACT: Nancy Kirkpatrick, Executive Vice President, Worldwide Publicity of Paramount Pictures, +1-323-956-5824

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