StephenBasil-Jones will return to Sony Pictures Releasing International (SPRI) asmanaging director of Australia once he completes his tenure as DreamWorks International'smarketing and distribution chief at the end of the year.

Basil-Joneswill also serve as regional supervisor for New Zealand and SPRI executive vicepresident, reporting to Columbia TriStar Motion Picture Group president ofworldwide operations Paul Smith.

Sincejoining DreamWorks in late 2004 Basil-Jones oversaw the release of such titlesas Shark Tale, Madagascar, Wallace & Gromit: The Curse Of The Were-Rabbit,Meet The Fockers, and Munich.

Hefirst joined Columbia TriStar in 1992 as marketing manager for Australia,rising four years later to managing director for the territory.

Herelocated to Los Angeles in 2001 after he was promoted to senior vice-presidentof international distribution, where he broadened his responsibilities inmarketing and oversaw all international advertising.

Hewas involved in the release of both Spider-Man pictures and the timing of his return to the Sony foldmeans he will be closely involved with the release of the third instalment,which is set to open around the world on May 4, 2007.

Basil-Jonesbegan his career in 1982 in brand marketing and held several senior positionsin major advertising agencies in the UK and Australia.

"We'revery happy to have Stephen back with us at Sony," Smith said. "Hisrecent international marketing and distribution experiences both in LA andLondon will bring added value to his already keen understanding of theAustralia and New Zealand region as a whole."