Charles Ogilvie to step into role of COO and work with theatrical and home entertainment teams; Bridgwood was founder of Contender in 1995 and engineered sale to E1 in 2007.

Richard Bridgwood is stepping down from his role of managing director of E1 Entertainment UK on July 2. He has held the position since 2007 when Canada’s Entertainment One purchased Contender Entertainment Group, the company Bridgwood founded in 1995.
Current finance director Charles Ogilvie has been appointed chief operating officer and he will work closely with Alex Hamilton and Jon Bourdillon in overseeing the theatrical and home entertainment divisions as well as with the international home video and UK Kids business.

“I’ve been delighted to oversee the integration of Contender into the Entertainment One group which has delivered all that I could have wished for the company,” said Bridgwood. “In the last three years the business has trebled its turnover and doubled its personnel, expanding and thriving in a difficult period for the industry.  I’m proud to leave the business in great hands and in great shape with a terrific line up for the next few years and two exceptional franchises in Twilight and Peppa Pig.”

 Ogilvie was a co-founder, director and share-holder of Contender from its inception, and joined the company full-time in 1999. He headed the finance and operations functions of the business through its growth and development including handling corporate acquisitions and assisting with the creation of the kids brand management business. He was an integral figure in the sale of Contender.

 “Working with Richard for so many years has been a real pleasure and couldn’t have provided me with better experience,” said Ogilvie. “E1 has an extremely dedicated and talented team in the UK and I am thrilled to assume this broader role.  I look forward to providing the guidance for the development and continued growth of all areas of our business.”

“Richard has been instrumental in establishing E1 as a leading independent film distributor as well as continuing the expansion of the company’s highly successful Home Entertainment and Kids’ businesses,” added Patrice Theroux, President Filmed Entertainment at E1. “His passion for our industry served as a great example for Charles and the entire E1 UK team and he has done an excellent job of mentoring all of them - preparing them to continue growing our company as he pursues other endeavors. Charles’ keen eye for detail and industry knowledge was invaluable as we brought Contender into the E1 fold and I’m confident that under his leadership, we will see continued growth across all our operations.”

E1 UK has an output agreement with Summit Entertainment which includes The Twilight Saga. It will release the third film in the series Eclipse on July 9. Other 2010 releases include Letters To Juliet and REC 2.

 

 

 

 

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