Universal promotes three marketing execs

Read joins USHE as VP of HD marketing

By Cheryl Cheng -- Video Business, 11/12/2008

NOV. 12 | Universal Studios Home Entertainment promoted several executives within its marketing department, senior VP of brand and digital marketing Hilary Hoffman announced today.

Jeffrey Ackermann has been named VP of TV and catalog marketing; Sandy Choi, VP of new release brand marketing; and Paige Lewis, VP of family marketing. Also, Robert Read has been named VP of HD strategic marketing and franchise management.

“It is with great pleasure that I announce these changes within key areas of USHE’s marketing department,” said Hoffman. “With Jeff, Sandy and Paige’s promotions and Robert’s return to the USHE fold, we have a bold, creative and collaborative executive team in place to lead our marketing efforts into the future.”

Formerly director of TV marketing, Ackermann will continue to oversee TV and catalog marketing for the studio. He has spearheaded USHE’s TV-on-DVD marketing strategy.

In her new role, Choi will focus on new feature films as well as Universal’s DVD Original slate of made-for-DVD movies. She was director of new release brand marketing.

Previously senior director of marketing, Lewis will continue to lead marketing for family titles, including theatrical, catalog, TV and DVD Original titles. She is responsible for USHE’s partnership with Mattel as well as such family franchises as Curious George.

Read, who was VP of marketing at Universal Pictures International Entertainment, will supervise Universal’s Blu-ray strategy and oversee non-theatrical global franchise management to optimize the entertainment brands on a worldwide basis.