Starz Ups Michael Thornton to Chief Revenue Officer

BEVERLY HILLS: Michael Thornton has been elevated to the newly created role of chief revenue officer at Starz, where he will work out of Englewood, Colorado, under Glenn Curtis, the company’s president.

In his new position, Thornton will handle the network sales and affiliate marketing group. He will also manage the Starz distribution businesses, including Anchor Bay Entertainment, Starz Worldwide Distribution and Starz Digital Media. Before his promotion Thornton served as Starz’s executive VP of acquisitions, business and legal affairs.

Chris Albrecht, the CEO of Starz, stated: "We are very pleased that Michael will be assuming the new role of chief revenue officer. In the rapidly changing media business landscape, it is important for Starz to unite together the revenue businesses of affiliate sales (STARZ/ENCORE/MOVIEPLEX) and Starz Distribution under one senior executive. In his short time at Starz, Michael’s wide-ranging talents and contributions to the businesses have been incredibly valuable. Combined with the excellent senior management and sales teams at Starz, we are confident in Michael’s ability to move the Starz business forward." 

It has also been announced that Ed Huguez has resigned as president of affiliate distribution but will remain with the company as an advisor until early 2014.

Albrecht added: "During his tenure, Ed has been instrumental in increasing the value of the networks, the channels’ distribution and revenue. We thank him for his hard work and dedication to the company and are grateful for his help during the transition."