Universal Pictures Restructures Home Entertainment Distribution Unit

No layoffs associated with today’s restructuring, which the company says will “streamline operations and best leverage future growth opportunities.” Under the new arrangement, Universal Studios Home Entertainment (USHE) President Craig Kornblau — who had managed distribution of physical media including DVDs — will also oversee digital home entertainment sales for Universal Pictures and Focus Features theatrical releases, NBCUniversal TV shows, and direct-to-video content and acquisitions. He’ll report to Universal Chief Distribution Officer Peter Levinsohn. Michael Bonner — who had been EVP for NBCUniversal Digital Distribution — will still run domestic digital film and TV distribution as EVP for USHE, reporting to Levinsohn and Kornblau. And Jessica Schell will continue as EVP of New Media and Digital Entertainment for Universal Pictures where she’ll report to Levinsohn and explore business opportunities which the company says will include “new content, windows and formats such as UltraViolet.” Levinsohn says the changes will improve the company’s ability to “take advantage of growth opportunities in every home entertainment window, which is critical to further expanding our business.”