Former Warner Bros. technology exec Christopher J. Cookson has been appointed to the newly created position of president of Sony Pictures Technologies. He will oversee the development and implementation of the studio’s technology policy and processes, while also serving as the studio’s chief liaison with other Sony Corp. businesses as part of Howard Stringer’s vision of ‘Sony United.’ Cookson will report to Sony Pictures Ent. chairman and CEO Michael Lynton and co-chair Amy Pascal.
‘New developments in technology are rapidly changing the ways that we create, distribute and enjoy the experiences that entertain us,’ cookson comments. ‘This is a most exciting time to be part of this industry, and I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to join with the unmatched resources of the Sony Corp. in helping shape this revolution.’
Cookson previously served as chief technology officer at Warner Bros. Ent., and president of the Warner Bros. Technical Operations Division. Before that, he was VP and general manager of operations and engineering for the CBS Television Network in New York, and spent ten years at the ABC Television Network, where he won an Emmy award for his work as director of the ABC and International Olympics Broadcast Centers.
In addition to working with other Sony divisions, Cookson will be involved with Sony Pictures Animation, vfx shop Sony Pictures Imageworks and Sony Online Entertainment, a worldwide leader in massively multiplayer online games. He’ll also have a hand in Crackle, a video entertainment site acquired by Sony Pictures in 2006.
