Weinstein Co. taps MGM veteran Erik Lomis to head distribution

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One of Hollywood’s top distribution executives will finally get some movies to distribute.

The Weinstein Co. has brought in Erik Lomis as president of theatrical distribution and home entertainment. He had a similar role at MGM since 2009, a period during which that studio’s ambitions to revive itself were stymied by a crushing burden of debt. As a result, MGM released only two movies during his tenure: 2009’s remake of ‘Fame’ and 2010’s ‘Hot Tub Time Machine.’

MGM recently reemerged from bankruptcy with its debt wiped clean and a new team of executives led by chief executives Gary Barber and Roger Birnbaum.

Weinstein Co., which has been growing its slate recently after reorganizing its own debt burden last summer, has 10 movies already scheduled for release by the end of the year.

In addition to handling theatrical distribution, Lomis will manage the New York-based independent studio’s relationship with Anchor Bay Entertainment, in which it recently acquired a 25% stake, for DVD and digital distribution. He played a similar role for MGM in its home entertainment agreement with 20th Century Fox.

Lomis previously served as president of domestic distribution for MGM from 2000 to 2005. Before rejoining that studio, he was a consultant for Warner Bros. and other companies. Prior to 2000, he worked at United Artists Theatres.

Laurent Ouaknine, a senior vice president at Weinstein Co., previously oversaw theatrical distribution. He now reports to Lomis.

Weinstein Co. chairman Bob and Harvey Weinstein have recently hired several new senior executives, including production president Donna Gigliotti and president of publicity Sarah Greenberg Roberts.

-- Ben Fritz