im Kennedy joins Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) as svp, Corp. Communications, responsible for developing and directing the company's communications strategy, overseeing media relations and issues management, and serving as communications counselor to the executive team. He will replace Susan Tick, who announced her resignation last May.
He also will partner with SPE's government and community relations, internal communications and other departments in support of their missions, and will liaison with Sony Corp. of America and Sony Corp. on media issues. Kennedy will be located at SPE's headquarters in Culver City beginning in September. Kennedy has been a spokesman for president Bill Clinton, vp Al Gore, senator Hillary Rodham Clinton and senator Joe Lieberman. He worked at the White House from January 1998 through the end of the Clinton presidency. Since 2002, he has been counselor/communications director for former president Clinton and the William J. Clinton Foundation.
"At this time of enormous change, challenge and opportunity in the entertainment industry, Jim's creativity and experience in strategic communications will be a real asset to Sony Pictures," said Michael Lynton, chairman/ceo of SPE.
Kennedy has dealt with media covering such events as former presidents Clinton and Bush's work on tsunami relief; the opening of the Clinton Presidential Center and the publication of MY LIFE; senator Clinton's legislative efforts in the aftermath of the 9/ll attacks; the Starr investigation and the impeachment trial of president Clinton and the 2000 election recount. He has appeared on a number of network newscasts, and authored op-ed articles for the NEW YORK TIMES, THE WASHINGTON POST and USA TODAY.
"Throughout his distinguished career, Jim has established himself as both an effective communicator and as someone who can navigate complicated issues with clarity and vision, said Beth Berke, evp/chief administrative officer of SPE, to whom he will report. We look forward to welcoming him to Sony Picture's senior corporate team."
"Jim is known as one of the best and brightest in his field, and we look forward to having his fresh insights and over-the-horizon radar," said Amy Pascal, vp of SPE and chairman of the SPE Motion Pictures Group.
SPE (www.sonypictures.com) is a subsidiary of Sony Corp. of America (SCA), a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corp. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production and distribution; television production and distribution; digital content creation and distribution; worldwide channel investments; home entertainment acquisition and distribution, operation of studio facilities; development of new entertainment products, services and technologies; and distribution of filmed entertainment in 67 countries.
