New CEO at DRG as Fox focuses on Atrium

Richard Halliwell has been named CEO of UK-based distributor DRG, with Jeremy Fox vacating the post and becoming executive chairman to focus on drama venture Atrium TV.

Halliwell (right) joined DRG from BBC Worldwide in 2013, and was most recently managing director.

He is credited with helping the business diversify its operations, taking it to a 25% increase in turnover last year and restructuring the sales business under executive VP Elin Thomas.

Effective immediate, Halliwell now becomes chief executive at the Nice Entertainment Group-owned firm. At the same time, Adam Barth is promoted to VP of sales for EMEA.

Current CEO Fox will become executive chairman, focusing on scripted opportunities and new venture Atrium TV, which is a drama financing ‘club’, operated with former Sony CEO Howard Stringer.

Atrium’s model sees broadcasters or platforms investing in dramas to secure rights in their territories, with various tiers giving them different packages, and DRG taking international distribution rights.

The news marks is the second time Fox (below left) has exited the CEO post, with the previous exit coming in 2012 when previous company owner, Ingenious Media Active Capital, put the business up for sale.

He returned after MTG, through subsidiary Nice, acquired DRG some months later.

“Richard is very entrepreneurial and commercial, he gets things done and succeeds in managing everyday issues while constantly driving the business forward with new ideas,” said Fox.

“DRG is in very safe hands with him at the helm and I am delighted that we have been able to recognise his significant achievements and contributions with this promotion.”

Fox pointed to deals such as a recent agreement to fund teen-focused digital content firm Wildseed Studios as examples of Halliwell’s strategies working.

“With the support of Jeremy and MTG, plus the ongoing commitment of the DRG team, we have long been able to punch above our weight in the marketplace,” said Halliwell.

“In my new role I will continue to push the boundaries to ensure we retain that reputation, and explore new opportunities for developing, creating and monetising content in order to grow our business – and that of our partners – still further.”

Barth, meanwhile, is upped from sales manager, responsible for key EMEA territories, and some major pan-territorial clients such as HBO and Discovery Networks International.

Read a full report on Fox’s plans for Atrium here