Company Town : Rocco to Head Distribution Unit at Universal

Nikki Rocco has been promoted to executive vice president of distribution at Universal Pictures. Rocco, who joined Universal in 1967, has most recently served as senior vice president of distribution and marketing. All employees of Universal’s feature distribution division will now report to Rocco.

* Clive Davis, president and CEO of Arista Records, home of Whitney Houston and Kenny G, renewed a five-year contract this week with Bertelsmann Music Group.

* Richard Hassanein has been named vice president and general manager of Todd-AO Studios West, formerly Skywalker Sound South.

* Veteran film producer Art Repola has joined MCA Recreation Services as vice president of film production.

* Kim Roth has been named director of development for Witt-Thomas Films.

* Susan C. Toumaian has been promoted to vice president of licensing for MGM/UA Licensing & Merchandising.

* Marc Choper has been appointed vice president of special projects for Warner Bros. Consumer Products.

* Gerald P. Noonan has joined Group W Productions as western division manager of syndication sales.