Nadia Bronson, for years the lifeforce behind Universal Pictures' international marketing department, has been promoted to president, international theatrical marketing, distribution and operations at the studio.

Bronson who since 1997 has been president, international marketing, will now be responsible for international distribution and operations related to all feature film releases overseas. She will continue to report to Stacey Snider, chairman, Universal Pictures.

Bronson's ascendancy comes just months after the Oct 1999 decision by Universal to renew its ties to United International Pictures (UIP) and close the theatrical operations of Universal Pictures International (UPI) - formerly PolyGram Film International. UPI president Stewart Till left Universal at the end of January.

'I'm happy that we can move forward to focus on our international business,' said Bronson yesterday. 'I have a wonderful team in place and I'm thrilled to be part of Stacey Snider's team.'

French-born Bronson joined Universal in 1977; she was named executive vice president, international marketing, in April 1996, and has effectively served as Universal's international chief since then.

Bronson steered Universal to its biggest ever international total gross of $1.258bn in 1999, closely behind Buena Vista International. Among the titles which accounted for the success were The Mummy ($258m), Notting Hill ($247m), Shakespeare In Love ($188m) and Meet Joe Black ($96m).