Emma Watts Named Vice Chairman of 20th Century Fox
Another woman is rising through the ranks at 20th Century Fox Film. The studio has promoted veteran Fox executive Emma Watts, The Hollywood Reporter writes. Watts will now act as its vice chairman.
THR reports that Watts, who will continue to serve as Fox’s president of production, is expected to “work closely with [20th Century Fox] studio chairman and CEO Stacey Snider” as part of her promotion. Fox Animation, led by Vanessa Morrison, will “co-report” to both Watts and Snider.
Additionally, Watts is now responsible for the management of “a restructured group that brings together all of the studio’s filmmaking assets, adding physical production, postproduction, visual effects, and music to her ongoing leadership of the studio’s production, story, creative affairs, and casting departments.”
Watts’ promotion was a long time coming, according to THR. She has strong professional ties to studio chiefs James and Lachlan Murdoch (sons of mogul Rupert Murdoch), who elevated Snider after Jim Gianopulos’ exit. This new position for Watts comes as a relief, as her standing at Fox was initially uncertain following Snider’s advancement.
Snider announced Watts’ new position, commenting, “Emma’s work over the past 20 years speaks for itself — she’s simply the best in the industry.” She added, “On a personal level, I am thrilled to have [Watts] in this new role, one that not only enables us to work more closely together, but also expands her scope so we as a company can take full advantage of her talents as we tackle all the opportunities that lie ahead.”
Watts joined Fox in 1997, became its executive VP of production in 2005, and was named the studio’s president of production in 2007, THR summarizes. During her tenure, she has been the point person on two staple franchises at Fox: the “X-Men” and “Planet of the Apes” series. Watts is also the driving force of the “Night at the Museum,” “Kingsman,” and “Maze Runner” franchises.
