Distribution veteran Bill Thompson has joined New York-based distributor Lot 47 Films in the newly created position of vice president, general sales manager.

Thompson began his career as a salesman in 20th Century Fox's Washington DC branch. Hemoved to New York in 1978 to become director of sales for Cinema 5 Films, movedinto exhibition as a film buyer with RKO Theatres in 1981, with Walter ReadeTheatres in 1985 and with Cineplex Odeon Theatres in 1987.

In 1988,Thompson was named vice president of City Cinemas. He returned to distributionin 1994 as vice president of Gramercy Pictures.

"I've dealtwith Bill from across the table for over two decades and he remains one of thebrightest and most incisive industry executives I've ever met," said Lot47 president Jeff Lipsky in a statement. "His wealth of experience is aperfect complement to the growing talent pool at Lot 47"