Patrick Fitzgerald Joins Buena Vista Home Entertainment as Snr VP, Sales and Distribution

Patrick Fitzgerald Joins Buena Vista Home Entertainment as Senior Vice President, Sales and Distribution

Patrick Fitzgerald has been named as the new senior vice president, Sales and Distribution, for Buena Vista Home Entertainment (BVHE), it was announced Thursday, April 12 by Robert Chapek, president of BVHE.

In his role with the company, Fitzgerald will set sales and distribution strategies and will report directly to Chapek.

Commenting on the announcement, Chapek said: "Pat possesses a broad scope of experience in sales and management that makes him a perfect fit for us. Pat will continue the tradition of leadership in sales development and account management at BVHE.

"As our partnerships with our retail accounts are crucial to our business, Pat's experience with a wide array of retail channels is invaluable. Building on its leadership in the VHS category, BVHE has established itself as a leader in the rapidly growing DVD medium, and Pat will be crucial in leveraging the huge opportunities in this business area as well."

Fitzgerald comes to BVHE from Citibank, a subsidiary of Citigroup, where he served as vice president, Business Development, Sales & Distribution, for Latin America. At Citibank, Fitzgerald spearheaded business development in Latin America, and was responsible for opening new sales and distribution channels for the company.

Prior to his tenure at Citibank, Fitzgerald served with the Campbell Soup Company for 14 years. At Campbell, Fitzgerald held numerous positions which included team leader Sam's/Wal*Mart and national sales director for PACE Foods, where he worked closely with a number of national vendors. In this role, Fitzgerald initiated development of new products, packaging and trade promotions.

Commenting on his new role with BVHE, Fitzgerald stated: "Disney-branded products are known worldwide for the quality they bring to the consumer, and I'm eager to bring my skills to this organization. My family and I are very happy to be a part of the Disney team."

Fitzgerald is a graduate of Southwestern Oklahoma State University, where he earned a bachelor of science degree in business administration.

-- Posted April 13, 2001

Source: Company Press Release