Two names that have been synonymous for 12 years, Beyond Films and Gary Hamilton, are to separate. The founder and general manager of Australia's only consistently active film sales agent will step down from his post at the end of the month.

"Over the 12 years Gary has been with Beyond he has made a major contribution to the success of the company," said Mikael Borglund, managing director of parent company Beyond International, in a prepared statement. "Gary has chosen to pursue other interests and we wish him well for the future."

"It has been a pleasure to work with Mikael, and the rest of the team, in building Beyond Films as one of the leading international film companies and launching the careers of many of Australia's prominent film identities," said Hamilton in a statement. "After 12 years I have decided to take up other challenges."

No news is available as yet on what these other interests and challenges are. Sales and marketing executive Stephen Kelliher will report to Borglund until a new head of sales is announced.

Hamilton's departure comes as Beyond completes the year-long merger of its two international sales divisions, Beyond Films and Beyond Distribution, aimed at better servicing the increasing complex international market place. Operational areas were merged last year.

The company has just posted a net profit of $130,970 (A$252,000) for the half-year to December 30, down from $556,100 (A$1.07m) in the corresponding period last year. Total revenue fell 22% to $17.7m (A$34.1m). Executives say improvements are expected ahead as international markets recover.