Sony locks up Jeff Blake until 2012

Showing how important global distribution is today, Sony extended their contract with Vice Chairman Jeff Blake until at least 2012.

"Jeff has built an unparalleled global marketing and distribution network, which is recognized as the best in the business. His leadership [...] has been critical to the success of Sony's biggest hits. When it comes to knowing how films will play in different corners of the world, Jeff's opinion and counsel matters -- not only to us but to the filmmakers and talent, who respect and rely on his guidance."

You got to give it to him, his track record is pretty great. Overseeing all world-wide releases he was responsible for films like Spider-man (all 50 of them), Casino Royale and The DaVinci Code. Doing respectively $1.4 billion, $426 million and $540 million outside the US.