Incoming Focus Features CEO Peter Schlessel has announced his core team in the wake of the company’s merger with FilmDistrict as it emerged that senior executives Andrew Karpen, David Brooks and Jack Foley will be leaving the new set-up.  

Current Focus Co-CEO Andrew Karpen was asked to relocate to Los Angeles but declined in order to keep his family in New York.

Karpen will remain in in his current role during the transition period, as will president of marketing David Brooks and president of distribution Jack Foley before they move on.

FilmDistrict COO Adrian Alperovich and president of marketing Christine Birch transition into the same respective roles at the new-look Focus, while FilmDistrict’s Jim Orr will head distribution and Lia Buman moves over to become president of acquisitions.

Current Focus Features president of publicity and evp of marketing Adriene Bowles will retain her current title and responsibilities, as will production president Jeb Brody.

Former FilmDistrict svp of Publicity Elissa Greer will segue into a new role as a non-exclusive independent contractor and will work closely with Bowles through 2014.

“I am pleased to announce the executive management team that will help me lead Focus Features into its next chapter,” said Schlessel. “These executives will work with me in the coming weeks to round out the balance of our staffing needs for the company.”

“After giving this opportunity much consideration, I’ve decided that this is simply not the right time for me to relocate my family to Los Angeles,” said Karpen. “I’m incredibly proud of all that we’ve accomplished at Focus, and know that the new company will thrive under Peter’s leadership.”

“I am disappointed that we could not convince Andrew to relocate, but I greatly respect his commitment to his family and life in New York,” said Schlessel. “However, he will be a valuable resource as the new management team moves forward on the foundation that he was instrumental in establishing over the last several years.”

Focus Features will release awards season contender Dallas Buyers Club starring Matthew McConaughey, Jennifer Garner and Jared Leto on November 1 in a platform release.

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