Sony has quickly named replacements for worldwide marketing chief Mark Weinstock, whose departure was reported on Monday. Digital marketing chief Dwight Caines will take over domestic theatrical marketing, working closely with Nigel Clark, the new foreign marketing chief.
As previously reported, Weinstock stepped down following back-to-back-to-back summer flops. After Earth, White House Down and Elysium all failed to bring in audiences and Sony has seen decreased ticket sales for this year.
Sony Pictures Entertainment said today that Caines, as many expected, will replace Weinstock, notes TheWrap. Gaines has been leading the global digital motion picture marketing division since 2006, at the dawn of social media. He is the latest digital savvy executive to get a promotion in Hollywood, following in the footsteps of Warner Bros. chief Kevin Tsujihara and Paramount digital chief Amy Powell, who is now leading that studio’s TV unit.
As THR notes, Sony created a new structure in marketing, with Clark now reporting directly to vice chairman Jeff Blake. He had previously reported to Weinstock.
“I am very pleased to welcome Dwight into this expanded role, where we can all benefit from his unique expertise,” Blake said. “As the media landscape has evolved, Dwight’s team has been at the forefront of the latest trends and technologies, keeping in step with new ways to reach movie fans.”
Sony is looking to lift the fortunes of its movie business next summer, when The amazing Spider-Man 2 opens.