UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif., Feb. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Vice Chairman, Universal Pictures and EVP Universal Studios Rick Finkelstein announced today that Joseph E. Cates has been named Senior Vice President of Technology for Universal Pictures.
In his new role, Cates will oversee the studio's technology group worldwide and lead the studio's strategic efforts to develop and implement digital technologies that foster greater consumer access to film content. In addition, Cates will continue to manage content security and anti-piracy technology matters for the studio.
"Technology is rapidly changing how our films are produced, distributed and viewed," said Finkelstein. "In this new role, Joe will be able to leverage his experience to develop the innovative technological solutions which are paramount to the success of our business. We are glad to have Joe in this new role."
As SVP Technology, Cates will work with all Universal Pictures divisions to research and develop emerging technologies; explore new formats and services for digital distribution; oversee technology issues related to digital cinema; represent the studio in industry forums; manage internal content security measures; and oversee external vendor issues with Finkelstein. He will also report to Craig Kornblau, President of Universal Studios Home Entertainment (USHE) and Universal Pictures Digital Platforms.
Said Kornblau: "Finding new, innovative ways for consumers to enjoy Universal's films in their own homes and on their personal media devices is key to our digital business strategy. Joe's knowledge and expertise will be critical in building new digital businesses which give consumers the most compelling access to our films."
Cates originally joined Universal Studios New Media Group in 1997 as Director of Technology and Programming. In 1999, he was promoted to Vice President, Advanced Technology at Universal Music in their digital strategy and new media group. In 2004, he joined Microsoft in the Media and Entertainment Technology Group. Cates returned to NBC Universal in 2006 where he served in a variety of technology strategy and policy roles in Media Works. Most recently, Cates served as Vice President, Anti-Piracy Technology and Operations where he led the company's technical efforts to control piracy of film and television content including the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Cates also currently serves as Chairman of the DVD Copy Control Association.
Cates has a bachelor degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Alabama and a doctorate in aeronautics from the California Institute of Technology.
About Universal Pictures
Universal Pictures is a division of Universal Studios (www.universalstudios.com). Universal Studios is part of NBC Universal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production and marketing of entertainment, news and information to a global audience. Formed in May 2004 through the combining of NBC and Vivendi Universal Entertainment, NBC Universal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group and world-renowned theme parks. NBC Universal is 80% owned by General Electric, with 20% controlled by Vivendi.
SOURCE Universal Pictures
