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Head of Lionsgate's Global Television Distribution Operations

Jim Packer graduated from Leeds with a degree in marketing. Since graduation, Jim has spent his career in the entertainment industry. As current head of Lionsgate’s global television distribution operations and architect of many of the Company’s digital initiatives, Jim Packer directs Lionsgate’s strategies for capitalizing on evolving distribution opportunities in a fast-changing global marketplace. Before joining Lionsgate, he held a series of progressively responsible executive positions at MGM for ten years culminating in his role as President of MGM’s worldwide television and digital operation. Prior to that, Jim was an executive with The Walt Disney Company where he spent 15 years working in Buena Vista’s domestic television distribution business, managing the distribution and syndication of Disney content. 

What made you want to go into the entertainment industry after graduation? Having grown up in Los Angeles, I was around the entertainment industry and was fascinated with the collision of commerce and creativity.  At ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ, I took a film studies class which peaked my interest and I truly enjoyed all of my marketing classes at Leeds as well.  I decided to look for a marketing job in entertainment upon graduation and I was lucky to get an entry level job at the Walt Disney Company shortly after Michael Eisner took over. 

Throughout your career, what is one piece of advice/best practice that has stuck with you? Never confuse activity with progress. 

What is your favorite movie, and why? I’m a big fan of the Shawshank Redemption, as I thought that relationship and how it developed was incredibly compelling cinema.  I also loved La La Land as it was an original musical that went against the conventional wisdom around Hollywood that musicals were dead. 

How do you currently stay connected with ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ and the Leeds School of Business? I have a large network of friends who happen to be alumni including my wife Suzanne and her sisters who are also Colorado graduates.  I’m also on the Leeds board which keeps me active, and I’ve hired ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ interns every summer for the last 10 years.

To nominate yourself or a fellow Leeds alumnus or alumna to be featured in an upcoming alumni newsletter, email LeedsSuccess@colorado.edu. 

April 2017