Scott Neeson will leave Sony Pictures Releasing International assenior executive vice president of marketing to pursue other opportunitiesincluding his commitment to a Cambodian charity, company chiefs said yesterday(12).

The personable and well-liked Neeson worked on overseas marketingstrategies for the launch of such Sony/Revolution hits as Spider-Man 2, 50First Dates, Hellboy, Bad Boys 2 and SWAT,among others.

"While this was a mutual decision, we respect and supportScott and wish him well as he pursues other opportunities," ColumbiaTriStar Motion Picture Group president of worldwide marketing Geoffrey Ammersaid in a statement.

"In the past year, Sony Pictures Releasing International hashad the second best year in the division's history and we appreciate hiscontributions to that astounding achievement."

"My personal work in Asia, including the expansion of theCambodian orphanage project, has become a major priority in my life,"Neeson said.

"Geoff and the SPE management have been incredibly supportivethroughout this time and for that, I am very grateful. However, there is awindow of opportunity for me now to fulfil a very personal goal.

"It is with regret that I leave such a dynamic group ofpeople. I will particularly miss the international marketing team, anoutstanding group of talented and passionate individuals."

Neeson began working for Sony Pictures Releasing in September2003. He previously served as president of Fox International Theatrical anddirection operations on international hits like Titanic, Braveheart, DieAnother Day and IceAge, among others.

He served 14 years at Fox, starting as general manager of thestudio's joint venture Hoyts Fox Columbia TriStar Films in his native Australiain 1989.

In 1993 he waspromoted to vice president of international marketing at the studio'sheadquarters in Los Angeles and rose to senior vice president and executivevice president, eventually becoming president of the division in 2000.