The president of Buena Vista Pictures Distribution, Chuck Viane, has
promoted Manuel "Rod" Rodriguez to the post of senior vice president and
general sales manager for Buena Vista Pictures Distribution. In his new
role, Rodriguez will be responsible for handling sales and distribution
operations throughout the United States and Canada for all motion pictures
released under the Walt Disney, Touchstone and Hollywood Pictures banners.
Rodriguez, an industry veteran who has been based at Buena Vista's Atlanta
headquarters for the past 14 years, will report directly to Viane.
Commenting on the announcement, Viane said, "Rod is an outstanding choice
for the general sales manager spot because he is so highly respected by his
colleagues and co-workers. His industry background includes top executive
jobs on both the exhibition and distribution side and he is well qualified
for his new duties with our national operation. He is a great guy and we
look forward to having him with us in California as a major player on the
team." Rodriguez joined Buena Vista Pictures Distribution in 1985 as branch
manager for the Atlanta/Charlotte office. Four years later, he was promoted
to division manager for the Southeastern division, where he was responsible
for ten major territories. He was subsequently promoted in 1989 to vice
president, Southeastern division. He launched his industry career in 1962
as a theater manager for the Atlanta-based Storey Theaters circuit. During
his 21-year association with that company, he worked in a variety of
capacities and ultimately held the post of executive vice president/senior
film buyer. A native of Havana, Cuba, Rodriguez came to the United States
in 1957.