Marvel Appoints Ira Rubenstein Executive VP Of Global Digital Media Group
By amoody
Created 04/23/2008 - 00:00
Marvel Ent. has appointed Ira Rubenstein to the position of Executive Vice President of Marvel's newly launched Global Digital Media Group. In this newly created position, Rubenstein will oversee Marvel's digital distribution strategy across all media and platforms. Rubenstein will relocate to Marvel's New York headquarters and report to John Turitzin, Executive Vice President, Office of the Chief Executive.
Rubenstein joins Marvel after more than 12 years with Sony, most recently as executive vice president of Sony Pictures Digital. His appointment reflects Marvel's commitment to growth in the digital space. He will be responsible for developing and implementing the company's efforts to maximize the Marvel Universe across all digital media. He will look to extend the reach of Marvel properties into the digital marketplace by maximizing the potential of Marvel's current proprietary digital consumer destinations -- Marvel.com, MarvelKids.com, and Marvel Digital Comics Unlimited -- as well as through digital video, animated content, mobile games, casual games and strategic partnerships.
"An online pioneer and thought leader, Ira brings tremendous experience identifying and implementing industry leading digital entertainment initiatives. With his expertise, Ira will be instrumental in developing Marvel's presence in the digital marketplace," said Turitzin.
"With a world-renowned library of characters to tap into, I am very excited to join Marvel and ultimately develop valuable digital assets that resonate with consumers and beyond. This is a tremendous opportunity and I look forward to extending the reach of these iconic properties across a whole new Marvel universe," said Rubenstein.
Rubenstein has built a career on identifying and implementing new marketing and distribution tactics for entertainment properties through interactive, online and mobile initiatives. He was recently included on the highly regarded "Digital 50" list, a distinction given to 50 new media innovators by The Producers Guild of America's New Media Council. Recognition for his work also includes Webby Awards, a Mobie awards, a Gold Clio and several Key Art Awards.
As executive vice president of Sony Pictures Digital, Rubenstein was responsible for overseeing the division's production efforts to extend Sony Pictures properties into the digital marketplace through SonyPictures.com, mobile games and personalization products, casual games, and innovative strategic partnerships.
Rubenstein managed the digital growth of the studio's most important brands including WHEEL OF FORTUNE and JEOPARDY! -- leading the expansion of these properties into broadband, interactive television, mobile, and the PSP and PS3 platforms. In addition, Rubenstein oversaw production for all Sony Pictures properties breaking into the growing mobile marketplace, developing an array of successful mobile entertainment offerings including the award-winning SPIDER-MAN 2: THE HERO RETURNS and RATCHET AND CLANK: GOING MOBILE, as well as the first Movies for Mobile Phones on Memory Cards.
Also during his tenure at Sony, Rubenstein oversaw the establishment of Sony Pictures Digital Entertainment's on-demand movie initiative, Movielink, to offer theatrically released motion pictures via digital delivery for broadband Internet users. Before the establishment of Sony Pictures Digital Entertainment, Rubenstein was vice president, marketing, Columbia TriStar Interactive. In this role, he managed the strategic implementation of media planning, promotional and creative advertising campaigns for more than 100 film sites. Before joining Columbia TriStar Interactive, Rubenstein served as manager of film research and new media for Twentieth Century Fox.
Rubenstein received a B.A. in Management Science from University of California - San Diego and is a graduate of the Peter Stark Producing Program at the University of Southern California.
