Universal Pictures has hired Michael Wise as senior VP and chief technology officer, the studio announced Tuesday.
Wise will lead the development and execution of a comprehensive technology strategy for Universal Pictures and will be responsible for the day-to-day delivery of all technology initiatives and operations in support of the studio.
Wise will work closely with Steve Lapinski, senior VP and chief information officer, film and west coast television, on all matters pertaining to IT within the film group.
Wise, who will report to Universal’s president and chief distribution officer Peter Levinsohn, will begin his new role with the company this week, having recently relocated to Los Angeles with his family.
“Michael’s proven leadership and ability to work across multiple platforms have led to new innovative technologies that consumers use every day,” said Levinsohn. “We will benefit greatly from his fresh perspective and approach as the industry continues to embrace advancements in the digital space.”
Wise had been with Turner Broadcasting System since 2007, most recently serving as VP of multiplatform distribution technologies for Turner Broadcasting System. As such, Wise oversaw the development of TBS Inc.’s online video players and associated video delivery systems as well as TV everywhere authentication platforms. He was also broadly responsible for developing, promoting and enabling technical architectures and functionalities for digital media products across TBS Inc.’s portfolio of brands, as well as building collaborative relationships with leading industry partners. In addition, Wise led the technical architecture and industry outreach work for Turner’s TV Everywhere and CNNgo strategic initiatives.
Prior to TBS Inc., Wise held various technical and managerial roles at AOL leading digital media strategy, planning and execution. His team built one of the first at-scale CDNs and supported some of the earliest digital media stores and subscription music services. He also held roles at Time Warner leading antipiracy technical strategy – spanning music, pay TV and filmed entertainment.
