Justin Manfredi is exiting Apple TV+ to join Lionsgate as executive VP of worldwide television marketing.
Manfredi succeeds Suzy Feldman, a 10-year veteran of Lionsgate, who is retiring. Manfredi, in addition to overseeing all original series marketing for the studio, will support Lionsgate’s focus on content licensing to worldwide buyers, its proprietary channel initiatives including more than 30 free, ad-supported television (FAST) channels in 18 countries, and content delivery to platforms across the digital media ecosystem.
At Apple TV+, Manfredi served as a head of series marketing and led global marketing strategy and integrated campaigns for acclaimed titles including the Lionsgate Television-produced “The Studio,” which this year earned 23 Emmy nominations (a record for a first-year comedy), as well as “Ted Lasso,” “Severance,” “Shrinking,” “Hijack” and “Chief of War.” He also has held senior marketing roles at AMC Networks and Activision.
“Justin draws upon experience at three very different companies — Apple, AMC and Activision — which makes him the ideal executive to lead our multifaceted marketing approach to new buyers, platforms and audiences in a changing world,” Jim Packer, Lionsgate’s president of worldwide television distribution said in announcing Manfredi’s hire.
Manfredi will work closely with Packer, Lionsgate Television Group chairman Kevin Beggs, vice chairman Sandra Stern and the company’s motion picture group.
Manfredi commented: “This is an exciting time to be joining Lionsgate, which has a reputation for being an entrepreneur and an innovator able to capitalize on emerging opportunities throughout the television ecosystem. I look forward to working with Jim and the whole Lionsgate team on digital-first campaigns that not only build on the studio’s established leadership in delivering brand-defining series that cut through the clutter but continue to expand its reach in the exciting world of FAST, AVOD and digital media platforms.”
Before joining Apple in 2021, Manfredi was senior VP of marketing at AMC Networks, overseeing marketing for its AMC, BBC America, Sundance TV and IFC networks and campaigns for such shows as “The Walking Dead,” “Killing Eve,” “Better Call Saul” and “BBC Earth.” He also helped launch AMC’s first streaming services.
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Prior to AMC, Manfredi served as senior global director of digital marketing for Activision, leading campaigns for “Call of Duty” and “Guitar Hero” and the launch of the Call of Duty World League, the company’s foray into esports. Manfredi has also held leadership positions at creative ad agencies TBWA, AKQA, Deutsch and David & Goliath.
Feldman, during her 10-year run at Lionsgate, led marketing campaigns for hit series such as “Orange Is the New Black” for Netflix, “Ghosts” for CBS and the “Power” franchise for Starz. She also shepherded the marketing campaigns for the studio’s FAST channels. Most recently, she spearheaded the viral grassroots marketing campaign for sexy crime thriller “The Hunting Wives” on Netflix and managed Lionsgate’s campaign for Seth Rogen’s “The Studio” on Apple TV+.
Said Packer, “We want to thank Suzy Feldman for 10 years of outstanding leadership and contributions to our Lionsgate family, spanning many of the studio’s biggest hit series. She has earned the admiration and friendship of her colleagues throughout the company.”
From Variety US