Marc Weinstock is exiting his job as president of domestic theatrical marketing at 20th Century Fox to run Megan Ellison’s Annapurna Pictures.
Weinstock — whose studio recently swept the Clio Key Art Awards for its 2016 marketing campaigns, including Deadpool — will officially remain at Fox through the holiday season. Once at Annapurna, he will report to CEO Megan Ellison.
The hire is yet another signal that Ellison has ambitions to expand her company’s reach. Earlier this year, veteran studio distribution executive Erik Lomis, who did a long stint at The Weinstein Co., arrived at Annapurna. And more recently, Ellison tapped former HBO president Sue Naegle to head up Annapurna’s television initiative.
Insiders say Weinstock notified staff of his departure early Monday afternoon, but has promised to stay on through the release of year-end films Hidden Figures, Why Him? and Assassin’s Creed.
His decision to leave Fox comes weeks after newly installed film studio chairman Stacey Snider hired Pam Levine as president of worldwide marketing, to whom he now reports. (The top position was left open with the departure of worldwide president of marketing and distribution Paul Hanneman. Hanneman’s job has been split in two, with marketing and distribution separated.)
Before he joined Fox in early 2014, Weinstock had served as president of worldwide marketing for Sony. He was ousted from that gig in 2013.
“We are thrilled that Marc is bringing his creative mind and entrepreneurial passion to his new role at Annapurna Pictures,” Ellison said in a statement. “Throughout his impressive career, Marc has shown a deep love and tremendous strategic understanding of all facets of filmmaking and artistry. I could not think of anyone else I trust more to help grow and promote our ever evolving slate of projects.”
Added Weinstock, “I am so excited to begin working with Megan and the talented team at Annapurna Pictures. The opportunity to help lead and bring in the most imaginative content, elevated storytelling and innovative artists to this company — well, that is truly my dream job.”
