Jimmy Horowitz Named President, Universal Pictures

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May 06, 2010, 03:29 ET

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif., May 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Universal Pictures Chairman Adam Fogelson announced today Jimmy Horowitz has been promoted to President, Universal Pictures. In his new role, Horowitz will work with Fogelson, Co-Chairman Donna Langley and Vice-Chairman and COO Rick Finkelstein to shape and implement domestic strategic business initiatives and help manage day-to-day business operations. He will report to Fogelson and Finkelstein.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100506/LA00764)

"Jimmy is a critical gatekeeper for our company, someone who all our filmmakers know and respect," said Fogelson. "His deep knowledge of our business and the people we work with make him a trusted strategic advisor who will play a major role in helping us shape the future of this studio."

A key member of Universal's senior management team who has worked at the studio for 18 years, Horowitz previously served as Co-President of Production and Executive Vice President of Universal Pictures, a position he held since July 2006. In that role he has supervised non-creative aspects of production at Universal and has overseen Universal's growing live stage business. Under his leadership, Universal Pictures Stage Productions has had box-office and critical success with Wicked, which has grossed over $1 billion worldwide and Billy Elliot, which won 10 Tony Awards, including Best Musical in 2009. As President, Horowitz will add the oversight of Chris Meledandri's Illumination Entertainment and Universal's relationship with Relativity Media to his portfolio.

"Jimmy is a trusted colleague and friend," said Langley. "He's a skillful negotiator who has the right instincts and judgment to help us move forward Universal's agenda in the face of any challenge. This is a well-deserved promotion."

Horowitz was appointed Executive Vice President, Business and Legal Affairs for Universal Pictures in January 2002. In this position, he oversaw the business and legal affairs departments and all of Universal's term deals. Previously, he served as Senior Vice President, Business and Legal Affairs starting in October 1999. Horowitz joined Universal's feature legal department in 1992.

Prior to joining the studio, Horowitz served as counsel for the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). He also practiced labor law at Manatt, Phelps, et al. and later at Greenberg Glusker, et al. until 1990. Horowitz earned his JD degree from George Washington University Law School and graduated cum laude from Tulane University in 1983 with a BA in political science.

SOURCE Universal Pictures