EXCLUSIVE: Paramount Pictures has hired Lionsgate Co-President of Worldwide Theatrical Distribution Shaun Barber as its new Head of Domestic Theatrical Distribution.
The news comes in the wake of Josh Goldstine’s arrival to the Melrose Avenue lot as President of Global Marketing and Distribution and the exit of Paramount President of Domestic Theatrical Distribution Chris Aronson last month.
Barber, a nearly 29-year industry veteran, will oversee Paramount’s North American distribution strategy and operations for all theatrical releases. He starts on December 1 and will work closely with Mark Viane, who will continue to oversee international theatrical distribution. Both Barber and Viane will report directly to Goldstine.
During Barber’s 18-year run with Lionsgate and Summit Entertainment, he was instrumental in the success of blockbuster franchises such as John Wick, The Hunger Games and Twilightas well as Oscar- and award-lauded titles Knives Out, La La Land and The Hurt Locker. Under his leadership, films released through Lionsgate and Summit grossed over $9.3 billion in global box office revenue. During his career, Barber has released movies which have a total north of $20 billion at the domestic BO
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Barber began his career at 20th Century Fox in New York City before moving to Los Angeles in 1998 to join Warner Bros., where he spent nearly a decade in theatrical distribution, rising through the ranks from accounts receivable to sales. During his tenure, he was involved in the release of many blockbusters including Harry Potter, The Matrix and Ocean’s Eleven films, along with Batman Begins, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, 300 and Superman Returns.
He later joined Summit Entertainment in 2007 as SVP of the Western Division, helping launch the company’s domestic distribution arm. Following Lionsgate’s acquisition of Summit in 2012, Barber was promoted several times, ultimately overseeing theatrical sales and distribution across North America with additional oversight in the UK/Ireland.
Said Goldstine: “Shaun is a deeply respected leader who has spent his career building meaningful partnerships across exhibition and the industry at large. He brings extensive expertise in domestic distribution strategy and will help us strengthen our theatrical business and deliver exceptional experiences for moviegoers.”
Said Barber: “I’m honored to join Paramount Pictures at this defining moment in its storied history. I look forward to collaborating with the exceptional team guiding the studio’s next phase of growth. Together with our exhibition partners, we’re committed to championing and elevating the power of the theatrical experience for audiences everywhere.”
Barber holds a bachelor of science degree in molecular biology with a concentration in applied mathematics from Lehigh University and an MBA from the UCLA Anderson School of Management.
An active philanthropist and community leader, Barber serves as VP of the Board of Directors for the Variety Boys & Girls Club, where he has spent 14 years supporting educational and creative programs for underserved youth in Boyle Heights and surrounding LA communities. He previously served on the Board of Variety – The Children’s Charity of Southern California, raising funds for initiatives benefiting children across the region.
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