James Schamus Named Sole Head of Focus Features

Focus Features, the art house division of Universal Pictures, named company veteran James Schamus as its sole ceo.

The new title for Schamus, who co-produced the Oscar-winning BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN, follows the recent promotion of David Linde from co-head of Focus to co-chairman of Universal Pictures, sharing that job with Marc Shmuger. Previously Schamus and Linde had run Focus together.

In addition, Focus named Andrew Karpen as its president and also co-president of Focus unit Rogue Pictures. Andrew Rona was named co-president of Rogue Pictures along with Karpen.

Universal Pictures is part of the NBC Universal media division of General Electric Co.