Variety: Disney Hires Former Warner Bros. Executive Andrew Cripps as Head of Theatrical Distribution

Story from Variety:

Walt Disney Studios has hired former Warner Bros. executive Andrew Cripps as head of theatrical distribution.

He replaces Tony Chambers, who was recently named president of the Walt Disney Company in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Cripps starts on March 3 and reports to Cathleen Taff, the studio’s president of production, franchise management and theatrical distribution.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining Alan Bergman, Cathleen Taff, and the entire team at the Walt Disney Studios,” said Cripps. “The work they’ve accomplished year-after-year is nothing short of inspiring, and I’m excited for the opportunity to contribute to that incredible momentum and help build for the future.”

Cripps, a widely respected industry veteran, stepped down from his post as international distribution chief at Warner Bros. in January amid a company restructuring by Warner Bros. co-chiefs Michael DeLuca and Pam Abdy. He spent over five years at Warners, spearheading the studio’s overseas rollouts of “Dune” and “Dune: Part Two,” “Joker,” “Wonka,” Christopher Nolan’s “Tenet” and “Barbie,” as well as MGM films in all international markets. He also navigated WB’s ill-fated, COVID-era HBO Max hybrid release strategy, which broke industry standard as 2021 tentpoles like “Dune” and “The Matrix 4” were available to watch in the home and on the big screen at the same time.

In his new role, Cripps is expanding his scope with worldwide theatrical distribution for all films produced and released by Disney’s seven banners, including Disney Live Action, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, 20th Century Studios, and Searchlight. His purview also encompasses Cinema Partnerships team, non-theatrical sales and Hollywood’s El Capitan Theatre. Disney’s slate for 2025 includes “Snow White,” “Lilo & Stitch,” “Freakier Friday,” Pixar’s “Elio,” Marvel’s “Thunderbolts” and “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” “Zootopia 2” and “Avatar: Fire and Ash.”

“Andrew is one of the most highly respected distribution executives in the industry with a deep understanding of the evolving marketplace and a passion for bringing films to audiences around the world,” said Taff. “Having known him for several years, I’m thrilled he’s joining our team and have no doubt that his strategic vision and many years of expertise will be invaluable as we continue to deliver exceptional storytelling experiences on the big screen.”

Cripps has worked at several major studios, having previously served as 20th Century Fox’s president of international theatrical distribution and held jobs at Paramount Pictures International and United International Pictures (a joint venture owned by Universal and Paramount). Prior to those gigs, he was Imax’s London-based president of international and executive VP.

Born in Sri Lanka and brought up in Japan, Cripps holds degrees from the Georgia Institute of Technology and Georgia State University. He is a member of British Academy of Film and Television Arts and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Jeffrey Forman, senior VP of international theatrical sales and Matthew Kalavsky, senior VP and general sales manager of domestic theatrical distribution will report directly to Cripps. Additionally, regional studio distribution leaders — including Nick Rush, senior VP of studio distribution for EMEA; Martin Iraola, senior VP and managing director Southern and general manager of theatrical for LATAM; and John Hsu, head of distribution and operations in APAC – will also report to Cripps while maintaining reporting lines to their respective regional leaders.