Lee Magiday isleaving her post as European vice president, acquisitions and production, forFocus Features to pursue opportunities in production.

The well-likedexecutive, who is based in London, has been with Universal companies for thepast decade, starting out working with Graeme Mason as an acquisitionsexecutive at PolyGram Filmed Entertainment, then seguing into a role asexecutive director, acquisitions, at Universal Pictures International (UPI)before moving to Focus at its inception.

"Havingbeen with Focus since its inception and within the Universal Group for the past10 years beginning with PolyGram, I feel the time is right for me to move onfrom acquisitions," she said. "The last four years at Focus have been hugelyrewarding and I'm incredibly proud of having been a part of such an amazingteam. It's been fantastic working with David Linde and James Schamus and Ireally appreciate their blessing as I make the transition to the next stage ofmy career."

Magiday startedher career working in independent production before making the move intoacquisitions. Among the titles she brought into Focus were Francois Ozon's SwimmingPool and PeterCattaneo's Opal Dream.

"We're verysad about Lee's departure," said David Linde, co-president of Focus in a statement."As one of the original members of the Focus team, Lee has made an enormouscontribution to the company and she will be much missed by all her colleagueson both a professional and personal level. I and all her friends at Focus wishLee the very best in her future career."