Company Town : Sherak Promoted to Newly Created Position at Fox

Longtime 20th Century Fox distribution chief Tom Sherak is being promoted to a new position of senior executive vice president, where he expects to take on a broader management role at the studio.

Sherak will continue to oversee domestic theatrical distribution, and also will continue to report directly to new Fox President Bill Mechanic.

In a statement, Fox Chairman Peter Chernin said Sherak is being asked to “participate in setting the strategic direction of our films and the studio as a whole,” adding that the move allows Sherak to take on various specific tasks at Fox.

In an interview, Sherak described the move as “moving me up a notch.”

He added that some examples of areas he will become more involved in include Fox’s international and video businesses.

Sherak joined Fox in 1983 from General Cinema, where he was head film buyer. Sherak’s recent projects include overseeing the distribution of the hit “Mrs. Doubtfire,” starring Robin Williams. To date, the film has grossed nearly $209 million domestically.

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