Close on the heels of appointing games and digital media entrepreneur Peter Levin to lead its Interactive Ventures and Games, today leading entertainment company Lionsgate has announced major steps to leverage digital technologies for its business development.

In a move underscoring the growth of the company’s content licensing to digital and VOD platforms around the world, Thomas Hughes has been promoted to executive VP of Worldwide Digital Distribution.

It was announced today by Lionsgate president of Worldwide Television & Digital Distribution Jim Packer, to whom Mr. Hughes will continue to report.

Mr. Packer noted that Mr. Hughes will work closely with Lionsgate international television executive Peter Iacono to continue to grow the company’s digital and VOD opportunities in the global marketplace.

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Mr. Hughes oversees sales and distribution for all of Lionsgate’s businesses in the on demand and digital arena, including multichannel video providers and more than 25 digital retailers.

He will also continue to manage business development opportunities created by the rapid emergence of digital platforms worldwide, including mobile platforms and apps, as well as other new and emerging technologies.

According to Lionsgate, he played an instrumental role in Lionsgate becoming the first outside studio to license content to Comcast as part of the MSO’s entry into the electronic sell-through space.

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And he has negotiated expanded global content licensing deals with digital retailers such as iTunes, Amazon and Xbox as they enter new territories around the world.

“Our licensing of film and television content to digital and on demand platforms around the world is an area of explosive growth, and Thomas will help spearhead our team’s initiatives in capitalizing on emerging opportunities throughout the global marketplace,” said Mr. Packer.

Lionsgate is a leading global entertainment company with a diversified presence in motion picture production and distribution, television programming and syndication, home entertainment, family entertainment, digital distribution, new channel platforms and international distribution and sales.

Photo courtesy: Lionsgate / Divergent