Jason Ropell has stepped down as head of Amazon film division, an individual familiar with the decision told TheWrap.
While abrupt, the insider said the move was amicable as new Amazon Studios chief Jennifer Salke continues to put her stamp on the streaming giant.
Production chief Ted Hope and international distribution and strategic initiatives head Matt Newman will serve as interim leaders until Ropell is replaced. Salke is looking to change direction in the group, the individual said, which has focused primarily on prestige dramas that enjoy full theatrical releases and awards campaigns.
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Their slate is also packed for fall, with the hotly anticipated Luca Gudagnino film “Suspiria,” and Timothee Chalamet addiction drama “Beautiful Boy.”
Ropell is the second major Amazon Studios exec to leave in the past year. Studio head Roy Price stepped down last October after “The Man in the High Castle” executive producer Isa Hackett accused him of sexual harassment. He was replaced by NBC Entertainment president Salke this past February.
Under Ropell’s leadership, Amazon Studios released several Oscar-contending films, including “Manchester By The Sea,” which won Best Original Screenplay and Best Actor in 2017, and “The Big Sick,” which was nominated for Best Original Screenplay this past winter.
News of Ropell’s exit was first reported by Variety.
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