Morristown, NJ & Los Angeles, CA.—Apr 19, 2010
Cinedigm Announces Two Key Promotions
Gerd Jakuszeit Now President and COO, Digital Media Services and Alison Choppelas Now VP Business Affairs of the Media Services Group
Cinedigm Digital Cinema Corp. (NASDAQ: CIDM), the global leader in the digital cinema industry, today announced two key promotions. Gerd Jakuszeit, formerly Senior Vice President and General Manager of Digital Media Services, is now President and COO of Digital Media Services. Alison Choppelas, formerly Director of Legal Affairs of the Media Services Group, is now Vice President of Business Affairs of the Media Services Group.
Chuck Goldwater, President of Cinedigm’s Media Services Group said, “Both Gerd and Alison have been invaluable members of the Cinedigm team. Their hard work in their respective areas of responsibilities have contributed greatly to Cinedigm becoming a leader and trusted partner with exhibitors, studios and vendors throughout the digital cinema world. Together with the rest of our team we look forward to Gerd and Alison’s continuing contributions to Cinedigm’s growth and success.”
Mr. Jakuszeit joined Cinedigm in May of 2004 as Director of Access Digital Media focusing on exhibitor and studio business development. In November 2007 he was named Senior Vice President and General Manager of Digital Media Services where he has led the development, expansion and implementation of Cinedigm’s industry leading satellite distribution network which includes the CineLive 3D live event technology.
Prior to joining Cinedigm Mr. Jakuszeit had extensive experience in the exhibition community serving as General Manager of National Theatres Corp. responsible for operations, construction and projection technology. Gerd subsequently contributed to the initial technology development and deployment of digital cinema while at Technicolor.
Mr. Jakuszeit has served for more than 15 years as an active member of multiple, regional National Association the Theatre Owners boards. Mr. Jakuszeit attended the University of Maryland and Cleveland State University.
Ms. Choppelas joined Cinedigm Digital Cinema Corp. in May of 2007 as Director of Legal Affairs, of Media Services Group. She oversees legal matters for the Media Services area of the company, most notably the studio, exhibitor, and vendor negotiations for the digital cinema deployment. In her new role she will be responsible for a broader range of responsibilities throughout the development of the company’s digital cinema business.
Prior to joining Cinedigm, Ms. Choppelas represented entertainment and technology companies in Los Angeles and Silicon Valley. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of California at Davis and her Juris Doctorate from Santa Clara University School of Law. At Santa Clara, Ms. Choppelas was President of the International Law Society and served on the Computer and High Technology Law Journal.
Ms. Choppelas has been an active volunteer of the Junior League of Los Angeles for more than six years, serving in a variety of leadership roles, including Secretary of the Board of Directors, Chair of the Annual Giving fundraising committee, and Chair of the Social and Special Events fundraising committee.