Andrew Cripps Named Disney’s Head of Global Theatrical Distribution
That didn’t take long. Just week after leaving Warner Bros., Andrew Cripps has landed at Disney, where he’ll succeed Tony Chambers as head of theatrical distribution.
He’ll begin the gig March 3. The position opened up after Chambers was elevated to overseeing Europe, the Middle East and Africa as part of a major restructuring of how Disney operates businesses in the region.
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Cripps is a veteran distribution exec who has worked at 20th Century Fox and Paramount. In his new role, he’ll be responsible for worldwide theatrical distribution for all films produced and released by Walt Disney’s seven banners: live action, Pixar Animation Studios, Walt Disney Animation, Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, 20th Century Studios and Searchlight. His purview will also include the Cinema Partnerships team, non-theatrical sales and the operation of the iconic El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood
For much of his studio career, Cripps handled the of international side of the aisle, including serving as president of international distribution for Warners since 2019, where he was responsible for the international theatrical distribution of all movies from Warner Bros., New Line, DC and the Warner Animation Group. Titles included Barbie, the Dune movies, Joker and Wonka. In addition, he was also responsible for the distribution of films from MGM in all international markets.
Prior to that, he served as president of international theatrical distribution for 20th Century Fox, where he worked on Bohemian Rhapsody. He was also the London-based president of International for IMAX and executive vice-president of the IMAX Corporation. (Cripps moved his family to L.A. several years ago, but still keeps his longtime home in London.)
He’ll report to Cathleen Taff, President of production, franchise management and theatrical distribution at Disney Entertainment.
“Andrew is one of the most highly respected distribution executives in the industry with a deep understanding of the evolving marketplace and a passion for bringing films to audiences around the world,” said Taff. “Having known him for several years, I’m thrilled he’s joining our team and have no doubt that his strategic vision and many years of expertise will be invaluable as we continue to deliver exceptional storytelling experiences on the big screen.”
Added Cripps, “I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining Alan Bergman, Cathleen Taff, and the entire team at The Walt Disney Studios. The work they’ve accomplished year-after-year is nothing short of inspiring, and I’m excited for the opportunity to contribute to that incredible momentum and help build for the future.”
Cripps was born in Sri Lanka, brought up in Japan and went to the Georgia Institute of Technology where he received a BSc in Industrial Management and went on to get an MBA in International Business at Georgia State University. He is a member of British Academy of Film and Television Arts and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Disneys’ slate for the remainder of the year includes Snow White, Lilo & Stitch and Freakier Friday; Pixar’s Elio; Marvel Studios’ Thunderbolts and The Fantastic Four: First Steps; Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Zootopia 2; and 20th Century Studios’ The Amateur, Predator: Badlands and Avatar: Fire and Ash.
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