Andrew Karpen has been promoted to co-CEO of Focus Features and signed a new contract, as has CEO James Schamus, who will continue to lead the company.

Karpen previously served as president and reports to Schamus.

The promotion formalises a decision-making process under which the executive duo run all aspects of the company including acquisitions and worldwide production, marketing and distribution.

Karpen oversees global business strategy and will continue to spearhead digital initiatives. He joined Focus in 2003 and was named president in 2006.

President of international sales and distribution Alison Thompson’s sales slate features Mike Leigh’s JMW Turner biopic starring Timothy Spall as well as the Amy Winehouse documentary directed by Asif Kapadia and Black Sea.

Focus Features launched 11 years ago and its upcoming release slate includes Edgar Wright’s The World’s End starring Simon Pegg and Nick Frost and John Crowley’s thriller Closed Circuit starring Eric Bana and Rebecca Hall.

The company recently acquired awards season contender Dallas Buyers Club directed by Jean-Marc Vallée and starring Matthew McConaughey, Jared Leto, and Jennifer Garner.

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