UK distributor Koch adds staff

Koch Media’s UK distribution wing has added new staff to is theatrical ranks.

Ben Luxford [pictured], formerly head of theatrical distribution at Curzon Artificial Eye, joins as head of distribution from January 2014.

Chriscilla Philogene, who formerly headed up LoveFilm’s brand marketing division, joins as head of theatrical marketing.

Reporting directly in to Luxford are Philogene, David Woodward, head of theatrical sales, Peter Ballard, head ofhome entertainment marketing, and Georgie Rennie, publicity manager.

Luxford will report to Paul Nicholls, director of sales and marketing across both the company’s film and games divisions for northern Europe.

“The UK theatrical landscape is a challenging one, but there are clear opportunities for an ambitious and committed company like Koch Media to thrive,” said Luxford. “With a wide range of films and a talented team of experienced and passionate individuals, we expect to see exciting things happen. I’m looking forward to being an integral part of it.”

On the new team structure and appointments, Koch Media’s managing director of northern Europe, Craig McNicol, commented:

“2013 has proved a big year for Koch, marking our entry into the theatrical distribution industry and releasing a number of films successfully into the market. The decision to expand and reinvigorate the team has been made with the aim of providing more focus and drive to acquire, market and distribute quality films; pushing the company into the realm of larger independent distributors”.

Upcoming on the Koch slate are JFK drama Parkland, psychological horror Magic Magic, black-comedy Cheap Thrills and Hector and the Search for Happiness, starring Simon Pegg, Rosamund Pike, Toni Collette and Christopher Plummer.