Amazon MGM Studios has appointed Chris Besseling as Head of Theatrical Marketing for the UK and Ireland, the latest step in building out its international film division. Besseling, a veteran of eOne, Pathé and True Brit, will be based in London and report to Charlie Coleman, Head of International Theatrical Marketing, while working closely with Scott Sargeant, Head of Theatrical Distribution for the UK and Ireland. The move underlines Amazon's ambitions to become a significant theatrical player in one of the industry's most competitive markets.

Besseling began his career at UK indie Metrodome more than two decades ago and has since helped launch over 200 films in Britain, including 1917, Suffragette, Green Book, Selma and The Death Of Stalin, most recently spending two years at Zygi Kamasa's True Brit. Amazon's wider international theatrical push is being overseen by former Paramount executive Helen Moss, with further senior hires expected across other overseas territories. No slate has yet been confirmed for the revamped UK operation, though the studio's recent activity in acquiring foreign rights suggests options are already in place, and the news comes amid reports that rival distributor Neon is also eyeing a UK setup.