Expat Woods appointed as chief of the Irish Film Board

Bord Scannán na hÉireann, the Irish Film Board (IFB), have announced the appointment of Mark Woods as their new Chief Executive.
Woods, who will take up his position at the beginning of October, is an expatriate Irishman who has been based in Sydney, Australia for the past 12 years.
Woods joins the IFB from the Premium Movie Partnership (PMP) where he held the position of Head of Acquisitions and Investment for PMP’s Showtime and Encore film channels. PMP is one of Australia’s largest private supporters of feature films and during his tenure, Mark was involved in co-financing almost 30 local feature films including the acclaimed Rabbit Proof Fence and Japanese Story.
Prior to PMP, he was an Australian correspondent for Variety magazine for six years and has contributed to other industry titles such as Moving Pictures, Media Day and TV Week.
“We are delighted to welcome Mark as our new CEO. His experience in the international arena will prove invaluable in developing the Irish film industry”, said Ossie Kilkenny, Chair of Bord Scannán na hÉireann / the Irish Film Board.
"Independent film co-financing is my passion and I feel privileged to accept this post," said Woods. "Building on the fine traditions of the Board, I am committed to offering strong support in bringing a rich and diverse range of Irish stories to local and international audiences by facilitating co-financing for today's top Irish talent as well as the emerging teams behind tomorrow's triumphs.
"I look forward to working closely with the board and staff of the Irish Film Board and Irish independent producers in nurturing a culturally vibrant and sustainable screen production sector in my home country."
Rod Stoneman, the Board’s outgoing CEO, departs at the end of August to take up a new position at the Huston School of Film and Digital Media in NUI Galway.
In the interim responsibility will be shared by Chair, Ossie Kilkenny and Deputy Chair, Ann O’Connell.
(GB)