Thomas Hughes

Executive Vice President, Worldwide Digital Distribution Thomas Hughes oversees sales and distribution for all of Lionsgate’s businesses in the on–demand, digital and non-theatrical arenas, including multi-channel video providers and digital retailers. He also manages business development opportunities surrounding the rapid emergence of digital platforms worldwide, including mobile, as well as other new and emerging technologies. He has played an instrumental role in Lionsgate’s launch of a global TV electronic sell-through store with Vimeo. He also led the negotiation and subsequent launch with Valve’s STEAM platform entry into global VOD and EST. Mr. Hughes has negotiated expanded global content licensing deals with digital retailers such as iTunes, Amazon and xBox as they enter new territories around the world. Additionally, Mr. Hughes played a key role in the highly successful launch of the global blockbuster The Hunger Games franchise on digital and on-demand platforms. He has also shepherded the Company’s exploration of new windowing strategies, including the day-and-date theatrical/VOD releases. He is a key member of the executive team that has guided Lionsgate to leadership in VOD-to-box office and digital-to-box office conversion rates. Mr. Hughes joined Lionsgate in March 2011 after serving as Vice President of Worldwide Digital at MGM for three years and prior to that he was at Scripps leading a digital sales team. Mr. Hughes has years of diversified media experience including distribution, sales, marketing, production and operations, with a major focus on innovating new business models for content creation and distribution in the digital marketplace. Early in his career, Mr. Hughes served as personal and production assistant for Emmy award-winning producer, director, and choreographer Kenny Ortega on projects like Michael Jackson’s Bad Tour and Dirty Dancing (TV). He began his media career in local television news at WIS TV (NBC) while studying Media Arts the University of South Carolina in Columbia, SC.