Epix Hires Iwanowski As Chief Marketing Officer

Epix, the premium movie service owned by Paramount Pictures, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios and Lionsgate, appointed former Sundance Channel and FilmDistrict executive Kirk Iwanowski as chief marketing officer.

Iwanowski previously was senior vice president of marketing at FilmDistrict, the GK Films-owned distribution company whose releases included Soul Surfer, Insidious and Drive, where his duties included managing the studio's upfront broadcast and cable negotiations.

Before that, Iwanowski was executive VP of marketing, branded entertainment and sponsorship for Cablevision Systems' Sundance Channel, where he co-created the original series Iconoclasts. He started at Sundance as director of affiliate marketing in 1998.

At Epix, Iwanowski will be responsible for developing and executing marketing strategy and campaigns aimed at consumers, affiliates and industry partners.

"Kirk has a proven track record as a successful brand builder and film and premium television marketer," Epix president and CEO Mark Greenberg said in a statement. "His innovative approach to media and strategic partnerships combined with his keen understanding of content distribution across multiple platforms will be a fantastic asset to us as we continue to expand our audience."

Last week, Epix announced the promotion of Andy Hunter -- previously head of marketing -- to the newly created position of general manager of digital media applications and products.

Epix is available to more than 30 million homes nationwide through Charter Communications, Cox Communications, Dish Network, Mediacom Communications, NCTC, Suddenlink Communications and Verizon FiOS. The network has access to more than 15,000 motion pictures and makes more than 3,000 titles available to authenticated subscribers on EpixHD.com and on devices including Android tablets and smartphones, Roku players, Samsung Smart TVs and Blu-ray players and Xbox consoles.