Vid stripes for Cardwell
Exec to o'see homevid, PPV, VOD operations
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While Lieberfarb reported to Warner Bros. chairman-CEO Barry Meyer, who made the announcement, Cardwell now reports to Warner Bros. president and chief operating officer Alan Horn.
The change in reporting structure had been under discussion for some time before Lieberfarb's departure. Cardwell will announce additional personnel changes in Warners' video division shortly.
Appointment of Cardwell, a 20-year WHV vet who has long been Lieberfarb's No. 2 exec, to the top post was expected (Daily Variety, Dec. 23).
Cardwell, who has been exec VP, North America/Australia, will oversee all homevideo operations as well as pay-per-view and video-on-demand. The latter two divisions were made a part of Lieberfarb's fiefdom in the past two years.
"Jim has long been an integral part of the extraordinary growth and success of Warner Home Video, helping build the division to what it is today -- the overall industry leader with 21% of the U.S. homevideo market and an unmatched presence in some 80 territories throughout the world," said Meyer.
"As Warner Home Video begins a new era, having Jim at the helm ensures the division will continue its place as the global leader in home entertainment," said Horn. "I look forward to working with Jim and his very talented team."
Cardwell came to the company in 1977, working in the audit department at Warner Communications in London. He joined the homevideo division in 1983 as director, planning and administration, and was subsequently promoted to VP, worldwide operations, and then exec VP, North America.
