Gersh is expanding film finance and distribution activities and announced that division head Jay Cohen has been promoted to partner.

The agency has also hired producer Jennifer Dana to join the division where she will work closely with Cohen to package projects, manage the company’s film funds and work with investors on projects.

Cohen is a longtime producer who came to Gersh last year and will continue to be instrumental in growing the unit.

Dana previously headed production and development at Andrew Lauren Productions and is currently in post-production through her Mint Pictures label on the teen romance Homework starring Emma Roberts and Freddie Highmore.

Gersh has also promoted Stephen Stanley to department coordinator.

Cohen and Dana will continue working with the agency’s film funds including Queen Nefertari Productions, Northern Lights Films and Ketchup Media. They are securing new equity from Colombia, the UK and China.

Highlighted features that they are packaging include a new project from Hammer and Tongs, Lloyd Phillips and Beau St Claire’s Da Vinci Smiles and Bronwen Hughes’ Journey Is The Destination.

“We have seen tremendous success and support since launching the division and we are confident it will continue to grow,” Cohen said. “It’s great to be adding Jennifer Dana, an experienced producer and we are both very excited about the opportunities ahead.”

“I am thrilled to be joining Gersh and working closely with Jay Cohen to support him and take this division to the next level,” Dana added. “It’s an exciting time at the agency and a great opportunity to join this expanding and dynamic team.”

“This is an important and necessary step for the growth and expansion of the agency,” co-presidents Bob Gersh and David Gersh said. “In today’s climate it is vital not only to be representing clients but also helping to secure the financing and package films for them. Under the leadership of Jay Cohen and with the added expertise of Jennifer Dana, we have very strong and capable division that will bring numerous benefits to our clientele.”

At Andrew Lauren Productions Dana oversaw, developed, and set up Universal’s Pursuit with director Pierre Morel, Year Of Fog and the spy thriller Forest Of Mirrors.

Her previous credits include Winter Passing for Focus Features, as well as Brothers Shadow and the documentary This Is Not A Robbery.