UIP seeks to fill key job as Stroud exits

Universal International Pictures vice-president of international advertising Gina Stroud is leaving the company after 15 years.

Stroud oversaw the arduous pitching process for UIP’s 15m pan-European account which lasted almost 18 months and finally saw the business return to the incumbent, Young & Rubicam, late last year. Stroud will be leaving the international film distribution company at the end of this month.

She would only comment that her contract is due for renewal and she has decided to “pursue other interests”.

A replacement for Stroud has not been announced, but it is understood that interviews have already taken place and the new person will be named soon.

UIP, whose most recent releases include Goldeneye and Waterworld, is owned jointly by MGM/United Artists, Paramount and Universal Pictures.

Under the terms of the agreement, UIP must regularly review its agency arrangements.

UIP has strengthened its links with a variety of companies to promote its products via joint marketing deals. These include tie-ups with companies as seemingly far removed from film distribution as Spillers Foods, the petfood specialist.