Erik Lomis has been named president of MGM Distribution Co, the distribution arm of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) Studios. He will report to Bob Levin, president of worldwide theatrical marketing and distribution.

Lomis, who was previously executive vice president, will continue to be responsible for the sales and distribution of the company's theatrical releases. He joined MGM in 1993 from United Artists Theatre Corporation where he spent five years in key positions culminating as senior vice president of the national film department. He began his career in 1979 at Sameric Theatres in Philadelphia.

Lomis' promotion continues the reorganisation of MGM in the wake of the appointment of Levin and the departure of former worldwide distribution chief Larry Gleason and former worldwide marketing chief Gerry Rich. Bingham Ray was recently appointed president of specialised label United Artists (UA), a division which Gleason and Rich were also responsible for.