Advanced Television

Cohen heads Access Entertainment

May 13, 2016

Access Industries, a privately held industrial group with major holdings in the music, media and telecommunications sectors, has confirmed the formation of Access Entertainment, a division of Access Industries focused on investments across the entertainment sector with a concentration in high-quality television, films, and theatrical productions.

Danny Cohen is the newly-appointed President of Access Entertainment.  Previously, Cohen was the Director of BBC Television, responsible for all of the BBC’s drama, feature film, comedy, entertainment and unscripted content.

In his new role, Cohen will seek out creative and strategic business opportunities throughout the world and work closely with Warner Music Group (the world’s third-largest music company) and other Access-owned companies to drive creative and commercial opportunities across the audio-visual sectors. He will draw together talent in Access’s extensive music, television, film and theatre investments to create unique potential for the Access group.

The goal is to develop Access Entertainment into one of the world’s leading independent investors in the entertainment media sector, with plans to invest several hundred million dollars in the initial phase.

“I look forward to working closely with Danny,” said Len Blavatnik, founder and chairman of Access Industries.  “Danny’s extensive experience and network will be invaluable as we identify and develop new media and entertainment investment opportunities.”

“I am absolutely thrilled to be joining Len Blavatnik and the Access team,” said Cohen. “Len has proven to be a visionary business leader across a wide range of industries and we have plans to grow Access as an entertainment company. Our ambition is to work with the world’s most talented creatives in environments that allow them to do their best work. Our investments will be wide-ranging: companies, people, television series, movies, theatrical productions and innovative digital opportunities. We will earn a reputation for quality, innovation and commitment to great talent.”

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