Jimmy Horowitz promoted to president of Universal Pictures

Jimmy Horowitz named Universal Pictures president

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. — Jimmy Horowitz has been appointed president of Universal Pictures.

Horowitz previously served as co-president of production and is an 18-year veteran of the senior management team at the studio. The former lawyer will work with the studio’s chairman, Adam Fogelson, report to him and Chief Operating Officer Rick Finkelstein.

Fogelson called Horowitz a “critical gatekeeper” at the studio and someone who all its filmmakers know and respect.

Horowitz led Universal’s stage division to critical success with “Wicked,” which has grossed over $1 billion worldwide. As president, he will oversee Illumination Entertainment and the studio’s relationship with film financing partner Relativity Media.

Studio parent NBC Universal is in the midst of changing owners from General Electric Co. to cable operator Comcast Corp. A regulatory review of the deal is expected to end this year.