COMPANY TOWN : Blockbuster’s Leader Steps Down

H. Wayne Huizenga, who built Blockbuster Entertainment into the world’s largest video rental chain, formally cut his ties on Monday to Blockbuster Entertainment Group and to its parent company, Viacom Inc. of New York. Huizenga, 57, stepped down as vice chairman of Viacom, chairman of Blockbuster and also gave up his seat on Viacom’s board of directors. The move had been expected with Viacom’s $7-billion acquisition of Blockbuster last year. Huizenga had indicated in Securities and Exchange Commission filings that he planned to leave after a transition period.

* Gabriel Reyes, former creative affairs director of Fox’s Latino production company, was named vice president of the new Latino division of the Lee Solters Co. public relations firm.