Paramount Pictures has announced that it plans to expand its office in China and shift its business operations from Shanghai to Beijing.

Beijing is the centre of film production, distribution and marketing in the fast-growing China market. The relocation is expected to happen over the next several months. 

As part of the planned move, Zhe Chen, general manager of Paramount China, will not be relocating to Beijing due to family reasons.

The studio expressed its thanks to Zhe for his contributions and professionalism during 14 years with the company, which includes several years with the UIP joint venture. A new general manager will be announced in coming weeks.

Last July, Universal, which was Paramount’s partner in the defunct UIP joint venture, appointed Jo Yan as managing director and executive vice president of its new Beijing offices. Yan was previously senior vice president of studio distribution, Greater China, for the Walt Disney Co.