29th January: Today, DEGI: The Digital Entertainment Group International (DEGI) announces the appointment of Robert Marsh, Vice President, International Account Management & Sales, UK Home Entertainment at Sony Pictures Entertainment as Co-Chair of the DEGI, effective immediately. Robert moves across to DEGI from the British Association for Screen Entertainment (BASE) where he held the office of Chair, which will now be held by previous DEGI Co-Chair, Ruth Sharp, Vice President & Head of Digital Distribution at Warner Bros. Discovery.
Johnnie Thompson, Vice President, Transactional Distribution, EMEA, The Walt Disney Company will continue to bring his many years of experience in the Home Entertainment industry to the role of DEGI Co-Chair alongside Robert. Across their combined
leadership and expertise in the Home Entertainment industry, Robert and Johnnie will further inspire and drive the growth of the sector internationally through the plethora of insights, campaigns, initiatives and events carried out by DEGI.
DEGI works to advance a shared understanding of the dynamics and behaviours driving the international digital entertainment sector, empowering the strategic planning of members and adding an incremental layer of collaborative activity. DEGI has already been active this year with the return of ‘LesVODays’ in France, a category-wide week-long campaign to drive growth and engagement across the French digital transactional market, with Mega Movie Week returning to the Nordics in February, and the Digital Growth Summit taking place in London on 6th March.
Commenting on his appointment as Co-Chair, Robert Marsh said: “I am excited to take on this appointment and thank the board for the opportunity. The DEGI is a forward-thinking, dynamic and international organisation which continues to support members to understand international markets and realise new opportunities. It is an exciting time to be joining Johnnie as Co-Chair, someone whose thoughtfulness, energy and enthusiasm for the category has and will play a key role in driving the organisation forward.”
DEGI would like to extend its gratitude to outgoing Co-Chair Ruth Sharp for her guidance and leadership throughout her tenure as Co-Chair. Ruth has played a crucial role in leading the priorities of DEGI members, encouraging conversation with local and international partners and providing an environment of support and expertise that champions digital growth and will be stepping over to Co-Chair BASE. DEGI enters 2025 with a bold future vision and expanded community, shared with BASE, of over 100 industry members and partners.
Johnnie Thompson added, “Ruth’s contributions and support during her tenure as Co-Chair of the DEGI have been instrumental in our progress, and she will continue to make significant contributions as co-chair of BASE. At the same time, it’s a pleasure to welcome Rob as the new Co-Chair of the DEGI. His wealth of experience, expertise, and energy will be crucial as we enter this exciting new chapter of Home Entertainment.”
Liz Bales, Chief Executive of DEGI said: “DEGI continues to build its reach and network with a thriving community that feels more vital each year. I want to thank Ruth for bringing her expertise and knowledge to DEGI for 3 years, and now bringing this across to BASE. As Co-chairs of DEGI, Rob and Johnnie will provide exemplary expertise and lead the discourse and decisions of an expansive and dynamic Board as we refine our focus and empower members to realise the multiple opportunities for Home Entertainment across international territories.”
DEGI provides forums for member companies to shape the debate on the issues impacting sector performance and future trends. Across 2025, DEGI will provide a pipeline of insights and sector analysis, host a range of events and member learning sessions along with targeted international promotional activities including LesVODays in France, Mega Movie Week across the Nordics, DEG Roadshow and the BASE & DEGI Annual Wrap & Industry Outlook. For more information on these activities, along with DEGI membership, please contact Louise Kean-Wood at [email protected].
DEGI Board includes:
- Laura Broadbent – Sony Pictures Entertainment
- Jesper Dahlgaard – Nordisk Films
- Brandon DiMassa – NBCUniversal
- Fahad Durrani – Google
- David Hare – Amazon MGM Studios
- Lesley Johnson – BBC Studios
- Rob Marsh – Sony Pictures Entertainment
- Paul Newton – Sky
- Tom Reveler – Lionsgate
- Ruth Sharp – Warner Bros. Discovery
- Amy Jo Smith – DEG
- Andrew Stewart – Amazon Prime Video
- Johnnie Thompson – The Walt Disney Company
- Greg Tod – Paramount Pictures
- Ewa Voigt – Warner Bros. Discovery
For more information, please contact Tiernan McGowan at [email protected]
About DEGI: The Digital Entertainment Group International
DEGI: The Digital Entertainment Group International (DEGI) is an international trade body driving digital consumption through a global vision. The sister organisation to US-based DEG: The Digital Entertainment Group, DEGI offers a forum for its members to discuss opportunities and challenges for emerging digital technologies, the supply chain, and promoting both new and established formats. DEGI commissions research and monitors trends to help keep its members informed in a rapidly evolving landscape. We welcome new members from across the digital visual entertainment ecosystem. For more information visit www.baseorg.uk
