Starz’s Gene George to Head Global Distribution at Lionsgate

Gene George, a nine-year veteran of Starz, has been appointed as Lionsgate’s executive VP of worldwide distribution, responsible for international TV distribution at the company.

In his new role, George will work under Peter Iacono, Lionsgate’s president of international television and digital distribution. He is expected to explore opportunities to license Lionsgate’s filmed entertainment content in new markets and territories, while also identifying film and television acquisitions that complement the company’s international slate. In addition, he will serve as the liaison for Starz’s continued integration into Lionsgate’s global distribution operations.

George most recently served as executive VP of Starz Worldwide Distribution, where he licensed such original series as Spartacus, The White Queen and Power. Earlier in his career, he was the president of Regent Worldwide.

“The Starz acquisition not only allowed us to grow our content platform exponentially but provided us with great executives to round out our global distribution presence,” said Jim Packer, Lionsgate’s president of worldwide television and digital distribution. “The recent announcement of Jared Goetz to head up North American television distribution, Gene George’s appointment on the international side and Susan Hummel’s hire to head our Canadian office give us a team that will take us to the next level and a worldwide distribution organization second to none.”