Managing Director, China
Beijing , China; (Onsite)
REQ ID JR114895 Apply View Saved JobsSony Pictures Entertainment is one of the world's leading entertainment companies, creating and distributing films, television programming and premium content for audiences around the globe. Home to iconic franchises including Spider-Man, Jumanji, Ghostbusters, Bad Boys, Venom and Resident Evil, Sony Pictures combines world-class storytelling with an entrepreneurial spirit and a commitment to innovation.
We are seeking an exceptional leader to drive the strategic direction, commercial performance and long-term growth of our theatrical business in China. Based in Beijing and reporting to the EVP, International Releasing, Asia-Pacific, the Managing Director, China will have overall responsibility for Sony Pictures Releasing International's theatrical business across the territory, including distribution, marketing, finance, operations and business development.
This is a unique opportunity to shape how audiences across China experience Sony Pictures films, lead a high-performing organisation and partner with senior leaders across Asia-Pacific and our Los Angeles headquarters while helping define the future of Sony Pictures' theatrical business in one of the world's most important entertainment markets.
What You'll Do
Business Leadership and Strategy
- Lead the China theatrical business with full P&L accountability and responsibility for distribution, release, marketing and financial performance.
- Provide strategic and operational leadership, balancing short-term commercial priorities with long-term business growth.
- Identify and pursue opportunities for growth through acquisitions, local productions, partnerships and other strategic initiatives.
- Analyse market trends, audience insights and competitive dynamics to inform business decisions.
- Partner closely with local, regional and Home Office teams to maximise the performance of the theatrical slate and broader business.
Distribution, Marketing and Financial Performance
- Lead the development and execution of distribution, release and marketing strategies across the theatrical slate.
- Oversee audience targeting, publicity, digital and social media, creative development, promotional partnerships and media campaigns.
- Manage annual operating, advertising and publicity budgets.
- Drive box office and revenue performance through forecasting, analysis and optimisation of release and marketing strategies.
Regulatory, Government and Industry Relations
- Navigate China's regulatory environment and work with relevant authorities and industry partners to support the successful release and distribution of Sony Pictures films.
- Build and maintain strong relationships across government, regulatory, exhibition, distribution, digital and commercial stakeholders.
- Monitor regulatory developments and represent the Company's interests on matters relating to market access, competition, film regulation and intellectual property protection.
- Participate actively in relevant industry organisations and initiatives.
Regional and Global Collaboration
- Act as the primary liaison between the China business, regional leadership and Home Office on commercial, operational and strategic matters.
- Foster collaboration across Sony Pictures divisions and the broader Sony group.
- Identify opportunities to leverage global capabilities, partnerships and resources in support of the China business.
External Representation and Content Protection
- Represent the Company's theatrical business externally and act as an official spokesperson when appropriate.
- Play an active leadership role in content protection, intellectual property protection and relevant industry anti-piracy initiatives.
- Represent the Company with integrity, professionalism, sound judgement and cultural sensitivity at all times.
People and Organizational Leadership
- Lead, develop and inspire a high-performing organisation.
- Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement.
- Build organisational capability through talent development, succession planning and employee retention.
- Empower teams while maintaining clear expectations and accountability.
- Serve as a role model for Sony Pictures' values and leadership principles.
What You Need
- Typically 15+ years of leadership experience within film, media, entertainment or a related industry.
- Significant experience in theatrical distribution and releasing, with strong knowledge of the China market.
- Proven commercial and strategic leadership, including P&L ownership and operational management.
- Track record developing and executing successful distribution, release and marketing strategies.
- Strong understanding of China’s theatrical distribution ecosystem, including the commercial, regulatory and competitive landscape.
- Demonstrated ability to build trusted relationships across government, industry, regulatory and commercial stakeholders.
- Strong people leadership, communication, negotiation and influencing skills.
- Results-oriented executive with sound judgement, strong decision-making capability and a collaborative leadership style.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both Mandarin and English.
- Ability and willingness to travel within China and internationally as required.
- Tertiary qualification or equivalent professional experience.
- Please note that this role is based in Beijing, China. In order to enable us to meet statutory and regulatory obligations of the Beijing immigration system you must have the appropriate immigration permission needed to work and reside in Beijing, China for the duration of the employment.
Who You Are
You are a commercially minded leader who combines strategic vision with operational excellence.
You thrive in highly dynamic environments, are comfortable navigating complexity and ambiguity, and bring the credibility and influence required to engage with senior stakeholders both locally and globally. Most importantly, you are passionate about film, entertainment and building great teams that deliver exceptional results.
Why Sony Pictures?
At Sony Pictures, you'll join a company powered by creativity, innovation and world-class storytelling. You'll have the opportunity to lead an important market, influence the success of globally recognised film franchises and help shape the future of theatrical entertainment in China while working alongside talented colleagues around the world.
Sony Pictures Entertainment is committed to equal opportunity in all its employment practices, policies and procedures. No worker or potential worker will therefore receive less favourable treatment due to any characteristic which is protected by applicable law, for example including their race, age, creed, sexual orientation, colour, nationality, ethnic origin, disability, religion, gender, marital status or Trade Union membership (if applicable).
If you require any reasonable adjustments with any part of the recruitment process, including the application or interview process, please contact us at spe_apac_talentacquisition@spe.sony.com. Please put Reasonable Adjustment Request in the subject line of the email.
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