Growing UK distributor Contender Films has appointed Theresa Roberts as head of publicity and Rebecca Mortimer as head of marketing.

Roberts, who takes the post July 1, had been head of publicity for Momentum Pictures.

Mortimer, who takes her post as of Aug 5, comes from Universal Pictures (UK), where she was senior marketing manager.

Both Roberts and Mortimer will report directly to Alex Hamilton, director of Contender Films.

Hamilton said: 'This feels like a coup. Both Bec and Theresa are outstanding executives whose work I've known and admired for many years, and to bring them both to Contender illustrates the ambitions of the company almost as much as the films we are shortly to bring to the market. All at Contender are delighted that they will be joining our fast growing theatrical team.'

Roberts added: ' I am thrilled to be joining Contender at such an exciting time and with the belief that the company is perfectly positioned to become a major force in UK independent sector over the next couple of years.'

Mortimer added: 'I'm delighted to be joining Contender at this stage of its development and I know we will be a formidable team. The forthcoming slate looks very exciting and has some great titles for us to really deliver on.'

Contender, now backed by Canada's Entertainment One, has a forthcoming slate including Gerald McMorrow's Franklyn, Bernard Rose's Mr Nice, Jonathan Demme's Bob Marley documentary, Jennifer Aniston and Aaron Eckhart romantic comedy Traveling as well as the Untitled Sam Mendes Comedy starring John Krasinski, Maya Rudolph, Jeff Daniels, Toni Collette and Cheryl Hines.

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