Distribution exec to re-locate from London to LA.

Universal Pictures International (UPI) has promoted Niels Swinkels to evp of distribution. He will begin working in his new position in London and re-locate to Los Angeles to work more closely with the studio’s leadership team.  

The announcement was made by UPI president of distribution Duncan Clark, to whom Swinkels will continue to report.

Clark, who has worked closely with Swinkels for eight years, said: “He has been a valued member of the UPI leadership team since our inception in 2007 when he served as head of sales and distribution for EMEA. He has been the managing director of the UK operating company for the past four years and has done an excellent job.”

In his new role, Swinkels will supervise Universal Pictures’ operating companies and UIP Joint Ventures.  Swinkels will begin his new job on Dec 1.

Swinkels began his tenure with Universal in 2004 as a marketing drector.  He was then appointed to vp of Sales & Distribution for the EMEA region in 2006 before being promoted to svp of the same region in 2009.  He has spent the last four years as UPI MD for the UK and Ireland.