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Jon Feltheimer was named Chief Executive Officer of Lionsgate in March 2000; his title expanded to include the role of Co-Chairman in June 2005. His blueprint for Lionsgate's growth, combining the flexibility and entrepreneurial culture of an independent with the financial and strategic relationships of a major studio, draws upon his 20-year career in the entertainment industry.
During Mr. Feltheimer's tenure, Lionsgate has grown into the leading independent filmed entertainment studio through a combination of organic growth and accretive strategic acquisitions. With the acquisitions of Artisan Entertainment, Trimark Holdings and other available libraries, Lionsgate now has one of the most prestigious and prolific libraries in the entertainment industry with more than 11,000 titles, a diverse portfolio of businesses and an exciting, commercially potent feature film slate of 18 to 20 releases a year.
Lionsgate has earned 25 Academy Award® nominations and seven Oscar® wins in the past seven years, more than any other independent studio. The highly diversified company also features a vibrant television business with several prime-time cable and broadcast network series, including the critical sensation WEEDS, a $500-million-a-year home entertainment business and a 42% interest in a leading online content marketing destination, Break.com.
During Mr. Feltheimer’s seven-year tenure as CEO, Lionsgate has increased its revenues from approximately $150 million to approximately $1 billion, grown its market capitalization from $80 million to nearly $1.4 billion, generated consistent and significant positive free cash flow while continuing to invest in growth, built a strong balance sheet and created a unique and successful business model. In addition to the Artisan and Trimark acquisitions, Lionsgate has continued to grow its business through: the October 2005 acquisition of Redbus Film Distributors (subsequently renamed Lionsgate U.K.), which has expanded the Company’s presence in the international arena; the July 2006 purchase of Debmar-Mercury, extending Lionsgate’s reach into television syndication; and the October 2006 launch of the FEARNet branded horror channel with partners Comcast and Sony.
Before joining Lionsgate, Mr. Feltheimer spent nine years at Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE). He engineered the creation of TriStar Television as part of SPE's acquisition of television assets from New World Entertainment Ltd.
He also served as the architect of SPE's investment and management of the U.S.-based Spanish-language network Telemundo in conjunction with Liberty Media and Apollo Partners.
Previously, Mr. Feltheimer spent eight years at New World Entertainment, where he was promoted to president and chief operating officer, directed the company's domestic and international distribution businesses and managed its New World Television division, which he launched, as well as its Marvel Productions and Learning Corporation of America units.
Mr. Feltheimer earned a bachelor's degree in economics with honors from Washington University. | 