Warner promotes three during New Line integration
By Susanne Ault -- Video Business, 5/15/2008
MAY 15 | Warner Home Video’s Jeffrey Baker, Jeff Brown and Mike Saksa have been upped to executive VP and general manager of theatrical catalog, non-theatrical franchise and new releases, respectively, spanning both Warner and New Line titles.
Baker (l.), Brown (c.) and Saksa
In their new roles, the three will continue to oversee their business units in the U.S. while taking on additional responsibilities for New Line DVD releases. Additionally, Baker, Brown and Saksa will leverage their expertise to strengthen the entire company’s performance in North America.
Heading Warner’s theatrical catalog team since 2005, Baker will add management of New Line’s library to his duties. Past work highlights include developing ultimate collector’s editions for Harry Potter, Blade Runner and Dirty Harry. Previously, Baker served as senior VP of U.S. sales at Warner.
Brown, who has led Warner’s non-theatrical franchise unit since 2005, will continue to shepherd titles spanning TV, animation and sports. Key deals on his watch include distribution deals with BBC, National Geographic, Dr. Seuss Enterprises and the Peanuts library. He earlier served as senior VP of worldwide marketing at Warner.
Along with Warner new releases, Saksa also will be in charge of New Line and Warner Premiere direct-to-DVD product. Previously, he served as president of U.S. marketing at Warner.
“It is my pleasure to recognize and promote these three key executives who have contributed so much to our growth ad success,” said Mark Horak, president of Warner North America. “These promotions reflect the outstanding achievements of these talented individuals in their respective areas and their efforts to develop and deliver successful strategies instrumental to our growth.”
These promotions coincide with nearly all of New Line’s DVD executives exiting the company by the end of June. To bolster its finances, Time Warner has been consolidating business units, including folding New Line into Warner Bros. Entertainment. For similar reasons, indie theatrical units Picturehouse and Warner Independent Pictures also got the axe in recent weeks.
Sources indicate that so far, at least two New Line DVD employees, in legal and creative services, have secured positions within Warner. A Warner spokesman did not immediately comment.
