Marc Shmuger

An alumnus of Wesleyan University, Marc Shmuger has built a stellar career as a film studio executive since obtaining his Bachelor's degree in English and Film Studies. As an undergraduate, Marc Shmuger was a member of Phi Beta Kappa, consistently demonstrating the combination of talent, tenacity, and commitment that has become a hallmark of his professional career. Upon graduation from Wesleyan in 1980, Marc Shmuger began his career in the film industry, writing and producing the movie Dead of Winter, starring Mary Steenburgen and Roddy McDowall. Marc Shmuger later shifted his professional focus to marketing and distribution, eventually taking a position with Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) as the Senior Vice President of Creative Advertising for Columbia Pictures. During his time with Sony Pictures Entertainment, Marc Shmuger drove campaigns for movies such as Bram Stoker's Dracula, Groundhog Day, and Men in Black. Marc Shmuger's impressive work led to two promotions, first to Executive Vice President of Marketing for Columbia Tri-Star and then to Executive Vice President of Marketing for SPE, as well as President of Art of War Productions. In 1998, Marc Shmuger joined Universal Pictures as the studio's President of Marketing. Marc Shmuger's ability to create cutting-edge campaigns resulted in his promotion to Vice Chairman only two and a half years after joining the company. In this role, Marc Shmuger was responsible for worldwide marketing and distribution, market research, media relations, and corporate partnerships. Marc Shmuger's expertise led to the development of some of the world's best known franchises, including The Mummy, Bridget Jones' Diary, and the Jason Bourne movies. Eight years after joining Universal Pictures, Marc Shmuger was offered the role of Chairman, alongside Co-Chairman David Linde. Together, Marc Shmuger and David Linde ushered in some of the most successful years Universal Pictures has seen to date. In addition to green-lighting box office successes such as Mamma Mia!, Milk, Knocked Up, and The Bourne Ultimatum, Marc Shmuger created Universal Pictures International (UPI), the studio's first global marketing and distribution company. UPI was an instant success, breaking all of Universal Pictures' previously held box office records. Marc Shmuger also helped launch Universal Pictures' family film and animation division, Illumination Entertainment, which recently released its first movie, the box office hit Despicable Me. Marc Shmuger's 30-year career has been celebrated with a number of honors and awards, including the 2009 Pioneer of the Year Award from the Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation. Listed as one of the "50 Most Powerful People in Marketing" by Advertising Age, Marc Shmuger has also received awards including ADDYs, CLIOs, Tellys, and Key Art Awards.