De Laurentiis Group Forms 3-Member Office of President

Financially troubled De Laurentiis Entertainment Group has announced the formation of an office of the president. It named outside advertising executive Gordon Weaver as one of three members, as well as Fredric Sidewater, who has been its president, and Stephen R. Greenwald, who has been president of its corporate division.

The company said the marketing and distribution divisions will report to Weaver. Larry Gleason will continue as president of marketing and distribution. Sidewater will continue to be responsible for all ancillary markets and business affairs, and Greenwald will continue as chief operating officer.

De Laurentiis said Weaver’s appointment will be effective upon his release from his current agreement with Young & Rubicam, where he is president of its entertainment division with responsibility for its Walt Disney Co. account. Before joining Young & Rubicam in 1985, Weaver was president of marketing for Paramount Pictures, where he spent 13 years in various marketing positions.