Adrian Smith has been promoted to the position of president of domestic distribution for Sony Pictures Releasing, the studio announced Tuesday.
The promotions are part of a realignment of the studio’s domestic-distribution division. In conjunction with the promotion, Adam Bergerman and John Spinello were named assistant general sales managers for domestic distribution and they will report to Smith.
Before the promotion, Smith was executive vice president and general sales manager, overseeing domestic sales for all Sony Pictures films.
“For nearly 25 years, Adrian has helped to make our domestic team the best in the business,” said Rory Bruer, president of worldwide distribution for Sony Pictures Entertainment. “He is one of the most savvy and skilled sales executives in our industry. Adrian is both respected and beloved by our team and our exhibition partners.”
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Sony was the leader in market share of the domestic box office last year, driven by hits including "Skyfall," "Amazing Spider-Man" and "Men In Black 3."
Smith is a veteran of hundreds of release campaigns, joining Sony Pictures in 1989 as western district manager for TriStar Pictures. In 2000, he was named senior vice president and western division manager for Sony Pictures Releasing. He was appointed executive vice president and general sales manager in 2011.
Smith said he was glad to be working with Bergman and Spinello.
“Adam and John collectively bring over 30 years of experience to the company – both have been with us since the mid-1990s and have played key roles in building all of our key franchises, from 'Spider-Man' and 'Men in Black' to Robert Langdon, not to mention the three biggest James Bond films of all time.”
Spinello joined Sony Pictures in 1997 as managing director, eastern sales division and was promoted to vice president, eastern sales division in 2003. He was again promoted to senior vice president / division manager eastern sales division in 2008. He began his career at United Artists Theaters in 1991, joining their film division in 1992 and overseeing numerous territories.
Bergerman joined Sony Pictures in 1996 as a booker for the eastern division, was promoted to sales manager eastern division in 1998, district manager for the eastern division in 2001, vice president / managing director for the eastern Division in 2009, and senior vice president / division manager for the western division last year.