Lionsgate U.K. and StudioCanal Hire Managing Director for Joint Home Entertainment Venture

LONDON – Elevation Sales, the home entertainment joint venture between Lionsgate U.K. and Studiocanal here, has hired Kevin Dersley to be managing director of the unit.

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Dersley arrives from British supermarket giant Tesco where he was senior buying manager for music and video products.

His arrival at the mini-majors' joint venture comes at a time of turmoil in the retail sector as HMV and Blockbuster U.K. both sought insolvency protection within the last few days.

Dersley's resume boasts stints at both indie distribution giant Entertainment U.K. and Universal Pictures U.K.

Dersley said: "Whilst the industry has its challenges as this week's sad news has bought into sharp focus, I firmly believe that the future of packaged media remains vibrant and positive, a view that is passionately shared by the teams at Lionsgate and Studiocanal.”

Elevation had 7.47 percent market share in 2012.

Upcoming Lionsgate U.K. titles in theaters include The Last Stand, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and The Paperboy with Nicole Kidman.

Studiocanal has the Steve Coogan-starring The Look of Love and Dan Mazer's comedy I Give It  A Year on its upcoming release slate.