Dennis O'Connor, who was previously senior vice president, specialised theatrical, at Trimark Pictures, has joined Universal Focus, the studio's fledgeling specialised division, as vice president, distribution.

Reporting to Nikki Rocco, president of distribution at Universal Pictures, and Paul Hardart, senior vice president at Universal Focus, he will handle the distribution of Universal Focus' release slate.

At Trimark, which is in the process of being acquired by Lions Gate Entertainment, O'Connor was responsible for the acquisition, marketing and distribution of all theatrical releases including Romance, Better Than Chocolate, Another Day In Paradise and Kama Sutra. Prior to joining Trimark, he was vice president of marketing and distribution at First Look Pictures and also held positions at The Samuel Goldwyn Co, Landmark Theatres and Strand Releasing.

Upcoming Universal Focus releases include Billy Elliot, Sally Potter's The Man Who Cried, Kasi Lemmons' The Caveman's Valentine and Bob Gosse's Julie Johnson.