MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Releasing International president Mark Zucker is retiring and the company has promoted Steven O‘Dell to fill that role.

The announcement was made by Sony Pictures Entertainment president, Worldwide Distribution Rory Bruer.

Zucker was with Sony Pictures since last 27 years. He has worked closely with Bruer and Sony Pictures Worldwide Marketing and Distribution chairman Jeff Blake, to build an international distribution team.

O‘Dell, who joined Sony Pictures in 2005 as a VP, was promoted to senior vice president in 2009. In his most recent role, he oversaw Latin America, the Caribbean, Spain, Portugal, and Scandinavia.

Bruer said, "Mark is one of the most highly regarded, well-respected, and well-liked executives in our company and industry. We are sorry to see him go, but we are happy for him - he‘s worked hard for this moment. We all dream of retiring when we‘re on top, but Mark has been on top for many years - we are thrilled to see him enjoy this next chapter. We also are thrilled to have Steven as our new International President. Steven is innovative, collaborative, and a strong leader. His promotion is well-earned and he is ready to step into this important role."

Among the many hits in his career, Zucker orchestrated the international releases of the Spider-Man franchise, The Da Vinci Code and Angels & Demons, as well as the two most recent James Bond films, which were the highest-grossing films in franchise history.

In recent years, Zucker has also overseen the distribution of international hits like The Smurfs, 2012, Hancock, and upcoming releases like The Adventures of TinTin.

Under Zucker‘s leadership, Sony Pictures has surpassed $1 billion at the international box office in 11 of the past 12 years, including 2011. Since Zucker took over the reins of international distribution in 2001, SPRI has delivered 36 $100 million-plus releases and over $14 billion in box office.