Mark Braddel has beenpromoted to senior vice president of distribution in Eastern Europe, the MiddleEast and Africa at Sony Pictures Releasing International (SPRI).

Braddel will continue toreport to SPRI senior executive vice president Mark Zucker and assumesresponsibility for all theatrical distribution operations in his assignedterritories.

'It's a true pleasureto recognise Mark's role in SPRI's success with this well-deservedpromotion,' Zucker said. "He is a highly effective distribution executive,has played a key role in the growth of new markets, and is a valuable asset toour company.'

Braddel joinedColumbia-EMI-Warner UK in 1980 as a member of the booking department. By 1987he was appointed sales controller in the statistics division and establishedthe statistics department for Europe. He was promoted to vice president ofsales for Europe, the Middle East and Africa in 2002.

SPRI's The Legend ofZorro is currently in release aroundthe world and has grossed more than $60m since it launched day-and-date withNorth America two weekends ago.