Peter Taylor has been appointed managing director UK & Ireland ofWarner Bros. Pictures International UK.

Taylor joins from Columbia Pictures where for the last five years he hasbeen director of distribution. Prior to that he was director of sales at Columbia,a position he held for nine years.

He replaces Nigel Sharrocks who left to join media buying group Aegis Media earlier this summer.

Taylor will arrive at Warner Bros in January 2005 and will beresponsible for the distribution and marketing of Warner Bros. Pictures' filmsto theatres throughout the UK and Ireland. In addition, he will manage anddevelop the Studio's relationship with exhibitors and represent Warner Bros.Pictures on a number of industry bodies.

Taylor will report to Joshua A. Berger, executive vice president & managing director, Warner Bros. Entertainment UK as well as to Warner Bros.Pictures International's Con Gornell, senior vice president, European marketingand Monique Esclavissat, senior vice president, European theatrical distribution.

"With such high profile films as Batman Begins, Charlie and theChocolate Factory and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire on our2005 slate, having Peter oversee our releases in this crucial market gives usnot only great comfort, but also a great deal of optimism for success,'said Berger

The appointment was announced by Warner Bros. Pictures International'sVeronika Kwan-Rubinek (president, distribution) and Sue Kroll (president,marketing), and Berger.