The Digital Entertainment Group International (DEGI) has confirmed a new line-up for its Board of Directors, with Joe Braman, VP, International Account Management at NBCUniversal and Ruth Sharp, VP and Head of Digital Distribution, Warner Media UK and Ireland both joining as Co-Chairs, effective immediately.
The DEGI exists to support and enhance the home entertainment industry, driving consumer engagement with new and emerging technologies across an increasing number of international territories. International collaboration is at the heart of all DEGI activity, and Braman and Sharp join the Board amid a year that has seen the DEGI successfully implement territory-first activations including Mega Movie Week Germany and the Nordic Hitlist weekly film chart.
Braman and Sharp join Amy Jo Smith as Director, and Liz Bales as Chief Executive Officer, and will lead the charge on growing value for DEGI members, whilst driving a category-level strategy for market growth.
Joe Braman said: “I am thrilled to be joining Ruth as Co-Chair of DEGI at one of the most exciting times in our industry. With so much change in windowing and access to amazing content, DEGI plays a vital role in bringing key stakeholders together to drive industry collaboration and category growth. I look forward to working closely with Ruth, Liz and Amy Jo to continue the great work DEGI have delivered to date.”
Ruth Sharp said: “As the digital entertainment world changes faster than ever before, I am delighted to be joining Joe as Co-Chair of the DEGI. Providing a forum for creating growth strategies & sharing insights, it’s exciting to be working with the DEGI group to extend our activations & grow consumer engagement in the category.”
Braman and Sharp take over from previous Co-Chairs, Chris Duffy and Nicola Pearcey. This last one said: “I am delighted to continue to work with the DEGI alongside my new media venture, Picnik Entertainment, and bring fresh insights from the independent production, distribution and financing sector. As Co-Chair I was incredibly proud to contribute to the organisation’s international growth over the years, and I look forward to working with the new Board to drive more powerful and international activations in the future.”
Speaking about the future of the DEGI, Liz Bales, CEO DEGI said: “The strength and diversity of the DEGI Board spans production, distribution and retail delivering value for stakeholders across the category. We are excited to be working with such exceptional talent and extend a warm welcome to Joe and Ruth as Co-Chairs, and we look forward to benefiting from the collective experience and input of the board as we drive our next projects.”