James Bond`s marketing chief quits MGM in move to Paramount

06-Mar-2004 • Bond News

The man who lead the MGM marketing campaigns for recent Pierce Brosnan Bond films has left the company to join rival studio Paramount, according to Yahoo Finance.

Gerry Rich has been named President, Worldwide Motion Picture Marketing of the Motion Picture Group, Paramount Pictures, it was announced today by Rob Friedman, Chief Operating Officer, Paramount Pictures and Vice Chairman, Motion Picture Group. Mr. Rich will take over the post vacated by Arthur Cohen, who exited this position to become a consultant for Paramount in September of 2003.

Mr. Rich joined MGM/UA in 1993 as Executive Vice President of Marketing and was promoted to President of Worldwide Marketing for MGM/UA in 1995. During his tenure at MGM/UA Mr. Rich`s marketing team revitalized the James Bond franchise for the 90`s with "GoldenEye," "The World is Not Enough" and "Die Another Day." He also lead innovative interactive marketing campaigns on the genre films "Stargate" and "Species" as well as the campaigns on such hits as "The Birdcage," "Get Shorty," "Legally Blonde" and "Hannibal."

Most recently Mr. Rich has served as a Senior Marketing Advisor to Miramax working on the campaigns for the films "Chicago," "Gangs of New York," "Kill Bill" and "Cold Mountain."

Mr. Rich is a three time winner of "Excellence in Film Marketing" Award.

"Gerry is an extraordinarily talented and creative marketing executive who has a long history of success," said Mr. Friedman. "I am happy to welcome him to Paramount."

"I am thrilled for the opportunity to be part of a studio with such a rich history that`s poised for incredible success," said Mr. Rich. "It`s an exciting time to come on board."