Genius names Byrnes exec VP finance

Former Warner exec to oversee systems, IT at expanding supplier

By Susanne Ault -- Video Business, 3/5/2007

MARCH 5 | Ed Byrnes has been named executive VP of finance, systems and information technology at Genius Products.

Rising up the ranks at Warner Bros. for the last 30 years, Byrnes is credited with creating the major studio’s International Home Entertainment group in 1980. During Byrnes’ tenure as the division’s executive VP and general manager, revenue grew tenfold.

Most recently, Byrnes worked as Warner’s executive VP of worldwide finance, systems and IT.

Byrnes believes his experience will translate well at Genius.

“I look forward to working with the uniquely creative, inventive and dedicated people who work at Genius and The Weinstein Co.,” said Byrnes. “We will continue to focus on running our business with integrity and professionalism, attracting quality content and focusing on disciplined ways to improve shareholder value.”

For Genius president and CEO Trevor Drinkwater, the move is a reunion with a former colleague.

“I have had the privilege to previously work with Ed during my tenure at Warner Bros., and during that time, I was extremely impressed with his knowledge, work ethic and capacity,” said Drinkwater. “Genius has experienced strong growth in the recent past and we have aggressive expansion plans for the future. The addition of Ed to our executive management team will ensure that we have the leading IT infrastructure enabling us to achieve our aggressive growth plans.”

Genius has recently signed on a number of new product lines to distribute, including Sesame Workshop and Classic Media.