The studio has confirmed that the widely respected former CEO and co-chairman of DreamWorks Studios has come on board as co-chairman of the film studio, effective immediately.

Snider will oversee production and development for Twentieth Century Fox, Fox Animation/Blue Sky Studios, Fox International Productions and Fox Searchlight Pictures, reporting to Twentieth Century Fox Film chairman and CEO Jim Gianopulos.

Together with Gianopulos she will jointly oversee the studio’s global theatrical marketing and distribution.

Elizabeth Gabler will continue to oversee productions for Fox 2000 Pictures and along with the remaining functions of the studio will continue to report to Gianopulos.

The senior film hierarchy at Fox comprises co-presidents of worldwide theatrical marketing and distribution Paul Hanneman and Tomas Jegeus, Twentieth Century Fox production chief Emma Watts, Fox Animation and Blue Sky Studios head Vanessa Morrison, Fox Searchlight co-heads Stephen Gilula and Nancy Utley and Fox International Productions head Sanford Panitch.

“We are very fortunate to have such a proven and brilliant executive as Stacey joining us in this key role,” said Gianopulos. “Having known her for years both professionally and as a friend, I know she will fit in perfectly with our culture and the talented leaders in key positions throughout the company as we embark on continued success and further expansion of our global businesses.”

Snider arrives after eight years at DreamWorks Studios where she was a partner with Steven Spielberg.

“Jim Gianopulos has assembled the finest group of executives and filmmakers in the business and they’re producing impactful, culturally relevant films,” said Snider. “I’m excited and privileged to join them in their pursuit of excellence.

Prior to joining DreamWorks Snider served as chairman of Universal Pictures, president of TriStar Pictures and executive vice-president of Guber-Peters Entertainment.

Fox currently leads the studio box office rankings for the year-to-date with more than $4.8bn in worldwide grosses. On November 2 it emerged that Fox International had set a new industry record for a calendar year of $3.25bn and counting