Kevin Wilson

Source: Courtesy of Amazon and MGM Studios

Kevin Wilson

Kevin Wilson has been named head of theatrical distribution at MGM and Amazon Original Movies, marking the completed integration of the two film groups, it has emerged at CinemaCon.

Wilson succeeds his former colleague Erik Lomis, the industry veteran who oversaw distribution at MGM and died last month. He will oversee and execute US theatrical distribution strategy reporting to Courteney Valenti, head of film, streaming and theatrical, Amazon Studios & MGM, who announced the promotion in an internal memo.

Wilson will work closely with Sue Kroll, head of marketing, Amazon & MGM Studios, and her team members Stephen Bruno and Gerry Rich on the release of all Amazon and MGM Studios films.

Wilson worked as a distribution executive at Summit Entertainment and Open Road Films and has worked on best picture Oscar winners Spotlight and The Hurt Locker, as well as Licorice Pizza and Women Talking, Twilight, No Time To Die, Creed III and, most recently, Air.

Mark Boxer and his team will report into Wilson’s group as head of specialty theatrical distribution. For the last six years Boxer has overseen the release of Amazon Original Movies including Sound Of Metal, Hotel Transylvania 4, Being The Ricardos, and the day-and-date release of Coming To America.

Boxer, who prior to Amazon Studios was EVP of sales and distribution at IFC Films, will also oversee Amazon’s Culver Theater space, and Prime Premiere releases.

“We are at a very dynamic and exciting time now that the integration of the MGM film group and Amazon Studios is complete,” Valenti said in the memo. “Six weeks ago, we combined the AOM and MGM creative development and production teams under Julie Rapaport. Julie’s team is now executing our larger film strategy across both distribution platforms. As a result, now is the right time to combine both theatrical distribution groups (MGM and AOM) into one unified team.”