EXCLUSIVE: Former Alliance exec to oversee UK operations for The Weinstein Company (TWC); Negeen Yazdi promoted.

Former Alliance Films executive Robert Walak has joined TWC to head and oversee the outfit’s UK operations.

Walak joins as president/MD for Europe, production, acquisitions and television.

London-based TWC exec Negeen Yazdi has been promoted to executive vice president, Europe, acquisitions and co-productions.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to have Robert and Negeen teaming together in London,” said TWC co-chairman Harvey Weinstein.

“They both have a staggering amount of experience working alongside some of the most intelligent and esteemed directors, writers, and acting talent in the film and TV industry. Their collaborative effort will no doubt prove an invaluable asset to the company not just in Europe, but across the board.”

“This is indeed a very exciting time to be joining the Weinstein Company,” commented Walak. “It’s a true honour to be joining the likes of Harvey Weinstein and David Glasser.

“Moreover, I feel Negeen Yazdi is one of the most talented executives in the business and I could not be more thrilled to work with her and the rest of this team, whose depth of experience is matched by their passion and eye for quality material.

“I look forward to building on what is already an exceptional slate by bringing the best in European projects for both the big and small screen.”

At Alliance, Walak acquired for UK, Spain and Canada, and drove projects for co-financing and production.

He was across titles including The King’s Speech, The Woman in Black, Control and Shame. Walak is an executive on Kevin McDonald’s upcoming How I Live Now and John Michael McDonagh’s Calvary.