The widely-admired executive exits after a brief and impressive tenure and will stay on as consultant to the company during the search for a successor.

Lang was appointed CEO in December 2010 after serving as an advisor to Filmyard Holdings while it extricated Miramax from the Disney fold. Miramax CFO Steve Schoch will serve as interim CEO.

Privately, industry executives speculated on Friday (16) whether Lang’s departure was related to strategic differences with Colony Capital top brass over the rate of expansion, including exploitation of the storied library. Miramax declined to comment.

Lang championed and executed on digital and distribution partnerships with verve, cutting deals with Lionsgate, StudioCanal, Netflix, Facebook and Hulu, among others.

“We are very proud of what Miramax has accomplished in such a short period of time,” Richard Nanula, Miramax chairman and a Colony Capital principal, said.

“Mike has built a team of dedicated professionals, and they’ve worked together to create tremendous value. Miramax has established partnerships with leading distributors and with promising emerging platforms, with many more to come. The value of the Miramax film library and its iconic underlying brand is clear and the future is bright. We thank Mike for all of his hard work and we wish him well as he looks at future endeavors.”

“I’ve enjoyed my time at Miramax,” Lang said. “The company has a great team, and I remain highly supportive of Miramax and its opportunities ahead. I wish the team continued success.”

Topics