Abhijay Prakash Headshot - P 2013
Abhijay Prakash has been promoted to executive vp business development and strategic planning for Universal Pictures. The news was announced Wednesday by Universal Pictures president Jimmy Horowitz and president and chief distribution officer Peter Levinsohn.
Prakash heads a team responsible for researching, evaluating, negotiating and executing new projects. His team also aims to expand existing revenue, develop Universal’s annual strategic plan, pull and evaluate material that has been greenlit and manage film financing relationships.
Additionally, Prakash collaborates with NBCUniversal and senior management of Focus Features, among other external relationships. He also represents Universal as a member of the board at Prima Cinema.
In his new role, Prakash will uphold many of his current responsibilities (i.e. budgeting, planning), and will also work on growth initiatives and improving international business.
“Abhijay’s role is one that touches all parts of our business and it requires someone who can juggle a tremendous amount of information while also navigating business trends and relationships with people operating in complex global markets,” said Horowitz.
Levinsohn added: “Abhijay and his team have helped Universal stay ahead of the curve in emerging trends in film business across all windows. In the short time I’ve worked with him it has been abundantly clear that he has a keen ability to evaluate complicated financial structures and develop recommendations that position our company for success.”
Prakash previously worked as a consultant at the Boston Consulting Group, and held positions at MTV Networks, IGN Entertainment and Artisan Entertainment (Lionsgate). He also worked as a policy researcher.
Levinsohn said of the promotion: “We’re tremendously lucky to have him.”
