Ousted Levin Officially Leaves Sony

files/pictures/picture-35.jpgOn Friday, October 27, 2000, four-year Sony Pictures veteran Bob Levin officially settled out the remaining 1 1/2 years of his contract and left his post as president of worldwide marketing for Columbia TriStar Pictures Group. His resignation came one day after Sony restructured the executive arm and gave chief of worldwide distribution, Jeff Blake, Levin's duties. According to insiders, there were tensions between Blake and Levin. Levin is best known in the animation community for playing a key cog in the phoenix run of Walt Disney animation. In 1985, then Walt Disney chairman Jeffrey Katzenberg brought Levin into Disney. Levin had previously worked for advertising agency Needham Harper & Steers and upon joining Walt Disney had no direct marketing experience. Levin was responsible for the phenomenal marketing of the Disney hits from WHO FRAMED ROGER RABBIT? to THE LION KING.