John Hester has left his position as Orion's chief operating officer and signed on as a consultant to MGM on matters relating to Leo's 1997 acquisition of Orion Pictures Corp. and its related entities.
Hester, who will remain at Orion's Century City offices, will report jointly to David G. Johnson, senior exec vice president and general counsel at MGM, and to William Jones, senior exec VP.
"We are pleased to have the continued benefit of John's counsel and expertise assisting MGM in maximizing Orion's assets," said Johnson.
"(Hester's) broad experience and specific familiarity with Orion product have been instrumental in coordinating the smooth transition of Orion's operations to MGM," said Jones.
Hester, who joined Orion in 1984, most recently served as the indie production company's senior exec veepee, COO and general counsel.
Prior to his tenure at Orion, Hester worked in the legal departments at Paramount Pictures and United Artists. He has also served as an assistant district attorney in Kings County, N.Y., and as special assistant attorney general in New York State Attorney General's office.
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