STX Entertainment has promoted John Friedberg to role of president of international following the departure of David Kosse to Netflix, which was confirmed earlier today.
Friedberg has been the company’s president of international sales since 2015. He will be based out of the London office, which will continue to serve as STX’s headquarters for international sales and marketing, as well as for its UK theatrical distribution business.
In his elevated role, Friedberg will oversee the international film strategy for the company, including leading STX’s acquisitions efforts, building on producer and filmmaker relationships to increase the volume of acquired films, as well as running the direct theatrical distribution business in the UK and Ireland.
He will also continue overseeing the company’s international sales operations including its network of international output arrangements.
Friedberg was among STX’s first hires in 2015 and has helped to establish the company’s international distribution partners in more than 150 territories. He was previously at QED International.
Friedberg will report to STX chief operating officer Thomas McGrath.
STX’s 2019 slate features Uglydolls, 17 Bridges and The Boy 2.
“John has tremendous knowledge of the international market and an incredible eye for globally commercial content, and we are delighted to have him lead STX’s international film division, which he and David [Kosse] have grown into a full-service international distribution company,” said McGrath. “The international business has become increasingly critical in the film landscape ever since I was chairman of UIP while at Paramount. Today, the international environment is even more complex with the rise of different streaming services and various OTT platforms, and in John, we have a seasoned executive who is extremely well suited to navigate these opportunities for STX.”
“The international business has never enjoyed a more dynamic period with the dramatic growth of the Chinese and Asian markets, the tremendous expansion of the Gulf Region and the opening of Saudi Arabia,” added STX chairman and CEO Robert Simonds.
“I’m excited to expand my mandate in leading the UK distribution business here in London, where we have an incredible team of executives, and a slate of exciting, commercial films. I have immense respect for David Kosse and wish him the best in his next endeavour,” commented Friedberg.
No comments yet