Jonathan Beardsworth, Technicolor, named as Vice Chair

The Digital Entertainment Group Europe, the non-profit corporation that represents the home entertainment sector in Europe, announced two leadership changes today. Don Hunton, Executive Vice President, Europe at Paramount Home Entertainment International (and former SVP Asia Pacific at Paramount Home Entertainment Australia), has been named as the group’s new Chair; Jonathan Beardsworth, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Europe, Technicolor, will serve as Vice Chair.

“I’m honoured to have been chosen by my peers to serve as the DEGE board chair, and look forward to an incredibly productive year,” said Hunton. “Our focus will be on tackling key industry challenges by offering a broad, pan-regional perspective and assisting the ongoing efforts of regional organizations.”

One of the DEGE’s first activities under its new stewardship will be to support the PEVE Entertainment 2011 event, taking place in London, 10-11 March, bringing a ‘live focus group’ of European consumers to the stage in the final session of the show. Jonathan Beardsworth will co-moderate the panel with market research specialists Vital Findings, and will explore the reasons why formerly active DVD purchasers have changed their behaviours. As one of the most talked-about panels at PEVE 2010, this year’s focus group promises the kind of candour and insight that will have attendees buzzing.

“The DEGE has been gaining momentum since its inception and I’m pleased to accept the newly created role of board vice chair,” commented Beardsworth. “With many exciting initiatives afoot, I look forward to working with Don, the board and our subcommittees to expand and elevate our work across the industry and across the region.”

About the DEG Europe

The Digital Entertainment Group Europe is the industry body for the Home Entertainment sector in Europe and is comprised of Hollywood and local studios along with the industry at large in Europe. Member companies include: Paramount Pictures Home Entertainment; Sony Pictures Home Entertainment; Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment; Universal Pictures International Entertainment; Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment; Warner Home Video and Digital Distribution; Lionsgate UK and ITV Studios Home Entertainment; Technicolor Home Entertainment Services; Arvato Digital Services; Cinram; Dolby; and Sony DADC.