(17 March 2006 2:00 pm)

MUMBAI: US media conglomerate Warner has announced that Simon Kenny has been named president of the newly formed Warner Bros. Digital Distribution.

He will 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. He will also oversee the studio’s worldwide digital strategy, partnerships in digital services and emerging new clients and business activities in the digital space.

As announced at its formation in October 2005, the Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group is comprised of Warner Bros. Digital Distribution (which incorporates Warner Bros. Online and Wireless), Warner Home Video, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment (including Warner Bros. Games), Warner Bros. Technical Operations and Warner Bros. Anti-Piracy Operations.

Kenny currently serves as Warner Bros. International Television Distribution executive VP, Europe. He will assume his new role full-time following the L.A. screenings at the end of May.

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group president Kevin Tsujihara says, “Our priority is the consumer, and our focus is on ensuring that our product is available to them on as many platforms with as much flexibility, functionality and portability as they desire. As digital distribution is no longer just a theory, but a reality, we are charged with managing and leading the retail and consumer transition from a purely packaged distribution scheme to one that supports both packaged and digital distribution, and both standard and high defination formats, while not cannibalising any one segment of the business, but rather maximizing the opportunities afforded by all.

"Simon’s experience in existing, emerging and next-generation distribution scenarios makes him the perfect choice to head up our digital distribution initiative, and we’re pleased to have him as an integral member of our team.”

Kenny says, “I am excited about leading the group that will strategise on and implement the methods of digital distribution for all the new and emerging platforms and to be working with Kevin to create new revenue opportunities on behalf of Warner Bros., a true leader in entertainment”.