Lionsgate Promotes Laurel Pecchia to Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications

Lionsgate has announced the promotion of Laurel Pecchia to Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications. Pecchia, who joined the studio in June 2022 as Vice President, will now oversee a broader range of responsibilities, including corporate media relations strategy, executive communications, employee communications, and preparation for quarterly Board of Directors presentations and earnings calls. She will also collaborate with Lionsgate’s Motion Picture and Television Groups on communications related to the studio’s film and television slates, as well as its extensive library of over 20,000 titles. Additionally, Pecchia will manage communications for Lionsgate’s initiatives in artificial intelligence, live and location-based entertainment, digital media, and 3 Arts talent management and production.

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Pecchia's promotion comes at a significant time for Lionsgate, which has recently separated from the Outlander premium network Starz to form two standalone companies. This restructuring aligns with the studio's potential participation in ongoing industry consolidation within Hollywood. Her expanded role is expected to enhance Lionsgate's communications strategy during this transitional phase.

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Peter Wilkes, Lionsgate's Chief Communications Officer, praised Pecchia, stating, “Laurel is an exceptionally talented and versatile spokesperson whose responsibilities have expanded across the full range of our communications activities. She combines a strong grasp of our fast-changing business environment with a remarkable work ethic, and she is well liked and highly regarded by her Lionsgate and media colleagues alike.”

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While the announcement has been met with positive responses regarding Pecchia's capabilities, some industry observers have raised concerns about the challenges Lionsgate faces amid the competitive landscape of Hollywood. The separation from Starz and the potential for further consolidation may complicate the studio's strategic positioning.

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As Pecchia steps into her new role, Lionsgate is preparing for a busy release schedule. The studio is set to debut “Michael,” a musical biographical drama about Michael Jackson directed by Antoine Fuqua, later this month. In August, it will release “Fall 2,” a survival thriller directed by Peter and Michael Spierig, followed by the latest installment in the Hunger Games franchise, titled “The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping,” scheduled for November.

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• “Laurel is an exceptionally talented and versatile spokesperson whose responsibilities have expanded across the full range of our communications activities,” — Peter Wilkes, Chief Communications Officer, Lionsgate.

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