Reflecting its broadening scope and influence and the spread of 3D to all entertainment sectors, a diverse group of eight new media companies, including A&E Television Networks, IMAX Corp., and RealD, have joined non-profit industry association DEG: The Digital Entertainment Group (DEG).
Other new member companies include Amazon.com, Samsung Electronics, SRS Labs, Testronics and Verance.
As DEG kicks off its 14th year, several new executives have been appointed to the board of directors, including Lori MacPherson, executive Vice President & General Manager of Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment. MacPherson replaces the seat long held by Robert Chapek, who was most recently DEG chairman until he was promoted to president of Distribution at Walt Disney Studios.
“The DEG is grateful for Bob’s many years of service to the organization,” said Amy Jo Smith, Executive Director, DEG. During Chapek’s tenure DEG grew from 42 member companies to 70.
MacPherson joins new board directors Stephen Nickerson, president of Summit Home Entertainment and Jim Belcher, Vice President Advanced Technology & Production at Universal Music Group for the fiscal year Aug. 1, 2010 – July 31, 2011.
Warner Home Video president Ron Sanders was re-elected DEG president. One of the committee’s two vice presidents is newly elected David Bishop, President, Worldwide Home Entertainment, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment.
The other three members of the executive committee were re-elected: Craig Kornblau, VP; Mike Dunn, Secretary; and Eisuke Tsuyuzaki, Chief Financial Officer. Each will serve a two-year term.
The DEG recently relocated to 10635 Santa Monica Boulevard, Suite 160, Los Angeles, Calif. 90025.
Other board members are: Henry McGee, President, HBO Home Entertainment; Tim Alessi, Director, Product Development, LG Electronics; Steve Beeks, President, Lionsgate; Eric Doctorow, General Manager, Worldwide, MGM Home Entertainment; Blair Westlake, Corporate Vice President, Media & Entertainment Group, Microsoft; Dennis Maguire, President, Home Entertainment Worldwide, Paramount Home Entertainment; Marty Gordon, Vice President
Philips Electronics; Andy Parsons, Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications & New Product Planning, Pioneer Electronics; Leslie Cohen, Senior Vice President, New Products & Services, Sony Music Entertainment; Chris Fawcett, Vice President, TV Business Unit, Home Division, Sony Electronics; and Jodi Sally, Vice President, Toshiba America Consumer Products.
— By Scott Hettrick