Thomas Gewecke Named President of Warner Bros. Digital Distribution
Thomas Gewecke has been named as President of Warner Bros. Digital
Distribution (WBDD), it was announced today by Kevin Tsujihara,
President, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group, to whom he will
directly report.
In his new position, Gewecke will work closely with Tsujihara to
further extend Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group´s digital
strategy and reach across current and emerging platforms. Charged with
global responsibility for the strategic growth initiatives around all
of the Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group´s assets, Gewecke will
drive development and execution of activities in the wireless, online,
transactional video-on-demand (VOD)/pay-per-view (PPV) and
electronic-sell-through (EST) sectors. He will also be responsible for
identifying strategic partnerships and next generation distribution
channels to open new revenue streams.
"Thomas is a forward-thinking executive with a proven track record
of successful execution," said Tsujihara, "He will provide innovative
leadership to a great team and we are very pleased to welcome him to
Warner Bros."
Gewecke most recently served as Executive Vice President, Global
Digital Business for Sony BMG Music Entertainment, where he headed
worldwide digital business development efforts and oversaw the
creation of new digital ventures. As a key member of the digital
leadership team, Gewecke was integral to the evolution and maturation
of Sony BMG´s digital distribution model and was engaged in strategic
initiatives, including the development of new digital product and
sales plans, as well as M&A activities. In addition, Gewecke oversaw
the company´s online advertising, digital long-form video, and
direct-to-consumer commerce businesses, and led its expansion into the
US off-deck mobile market.
"The Digital Distribution team, under Kevin´s leadership, has
secured the company´s position at the head of the pack," said Gewecke.
"I look forward to working with them to take full advantage of the
opportunities presented by the emerging digital marketplace."
Prior to Sony BMG, Gewecke was Senior Vice President of Business
Development in the Digital Services Group for Sony Music
Entertainment, Inc. While at Sony Music he founded and led its mobile
business, building a dominant market position for the company;
launching the industry´s first US master ringtone offering in mid
2003; and becoming the only record label to create and operate a major
US on-deck direct-to-consumer mobile storefront. In addition to
various other responsibilities, Gewecke also supervised Sony Music´s
interest in certain digital media investments.
Gewecke also held the position of Publisher of the PC World Online
Network at International Data Group (IDG). During his tenure with the
company, he built IDG´s largest online publishing division and oversaw
the launch of multiple internet properties. He also played a major
role in the development of IDG´s overall digital strategy.
Gewecke graduated from Harvard College in 1991 with a bachelor´s
degree, magna cum laude, in social studies.
About Warner Bros. Digital Distribution
Warner Bros. Digital Distribution (WBDD) was founded in October
2005 to manage the worldwide electronic distribution streams of the
Studio´s product over existing, new and emerging digital platforms,
including pay-per-view, electronic sell-through, video-on-demand,
subscription-video-on-demand, wireless and more. WBDD also oversees
the Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group´s worldwide digital
strategy, partnerships in digital services and emerging new clients
and business activities in the digital space.
About Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group
Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group brings together Warner Bros.
Entertainment´s home video, digital distribution, interactive
entertainment/videogames, direct-to-DVD production, technical
operations and anti-piracy businesses in order to maximize current and
next-generation distribution scenarios. WBHEG is responsible for the
global distribution of content through DVD, electronic sell-through
and transactional VOD, and delivery of theatrical content to wireless
and online channels, and is also a significant worldwide publisher for
both internal and third party videogame titles.