Amazon recently announced that it has hired streaming and TV veteran Mike Hopkins to lead its video entertainment business like Prime Video and Amazon Studios. Hopkins was earlier working with Sony as Chairman of Sony Pictures Television. His appointment will come in effect from February 24.
Hopkins will directly report to the Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos. He is most likely to make up for the company Senior Vice President of Digital Entertainment Jeff Blackburn. Blackburn is reportedly going on a sabbatical leave this year.
In a note sent to staff members, Blackburn said, “Mike comes to us with over 20 years of industry experience at Fox, Hulu, and Sony. He has an extensive track record as a global business leader in media, film, and TV — negotiating landmark content and distribution agreements, running marketing operations, leading product/tech teams, and overseeing the production of breakthrough television content.”
In his previous stint at Sony, Hopkins was responsible for the restructuring and streamlining of the company’s operations. In recent years, Sony has clubbed its media networks, television distribution, and home entertainment businesses.
“I want to thank Mike for his outstanding leadership since arriving at the studio in late 2017. From day one he was charged with rethinking the way we run our television businesses. Under his watch, SPT has been transformed into a stronger and more nimble organization, able to pivot and change course quickly in today’s rapidly evolving entertainment landscape.”, said Sony Pictures Entertainment chairman Tony Vinciquerra announcing Hopkins’ departure in a memo to staff.
Before joining Sony, Hopkins was working with Hulu as its CEO. He resigned from Hulu in 2017 after spending four years in the company. His major accomplishment at Hulu includes building out channels and live TV business.
In the past months, Sony has been witnessing a number of executives leaving the company and joining its rivals. Hopkins is another addition to the list which includes previous Sony presidents Jamie Erlichy and Zack Van Amburg who joined Apple to lead its video programming division.
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