Ian George has been promoted from marketing and publicity director at UK distribution operation Pathe Distribution to deputy managing director.

The move comes as Pathe's UK sales director Alastair Craig is leaving the company to join EVA Entertainment, Pearson Television's animated unit, as director of sales. Craig is being replaced by Neil Marshall, formerly director of exhibitor relations at film magazine In2Film.

Marshall, who will join Pathe on December 4, was also at Columbia TriStar for 12 years, latterly as European sales manager. Pathe Distribution managing director Maj-Britt Kirchner, who joined Pathe with George from Warner Bros, said Pathe is currently recruiting a successor for George's marketing role.

"This promotion reflects the valuable contribution he has made in the establishment of the new distribution team with responsibilities extending beyond marketing," Kirchner said.

She added: "We are sorry to be losing Alastair but wish him every success in his new post. We are delighted that Neil has decided to join us and look forward to working closely with him."

Forthcoming releases from Pathe Distribution include The Claim, Enemy At The Gates and The Wedding Planner.