Mark Zucker, president of Sony Pictures Releasing International, is retiring after 27 years at the studio, Sony announced Wednesday.
Steven O'Dell (below) has been promoted from the senior VP level as his replacement, overseeing Sony's overseas theaterical operations.
Zucker is a 36-year entertainment industry veteran who, while at Sony, handled the international releases of such notable titles as "Spider-Man" franchise, "The Da Vinci Code," "Angels & Demons" and two James Bond films.
Under Zucker's leadership, Sony Pictures has surpassed $1 billion at the international box office in 11 of the past 12 years, the studio noted.
"Mark is one of the most highly regarded, well-respected and well-liked executive in our company and industry," said Rory Bruer, Sony's president of worldwide theatrical distribution, in a statement. "We all dream of retiring when we're on top, but Mark has been on top for many years — we are thrilled to see him enjoy this next chapter."
O’Dell joined Sony Pictures in 2005 as a VP and was promoted to senior VP in 2009. In his most recent role, he oversaw distribution in Latin America, the Caribbean, Spain, Portugal, and Scandinavia.
Prior to joining Sony, O’Dell started working in 1994 with United International Pictures (UIP) in Central America and the Caribbean. He held management posts for UIP in Chile, Austria, Brazil and Mexico. He returned to the U.S. in 2001 to join consultancy Nadia Bronson & Associates.
"We also are thrilled to have Steven as our new International President," Bruer added. "Steven is innovative, collaborative, and a strong leader. His promotion is well-earned and he is ready to step into this important role.”
