Niels Swinkels Named President, International at Focus Features

Niels Swinkels has been named to the new post of president of international distribution at NBCUniversal’s special outlet Focus Features, Universal Pictures International president Veronika Kwan Vandenberg said Tuesday.

In the new role, he will work closely with Focus Features chairman Peter Kujawski and the Focus senior leadership team to oversee the international release of Focus titles and strengthen the division’s position in the marketplace.

Swinkels will add his new duties to his current role as executive vp and managing director of Universal Pictures International, Universal Pictures’ international distribution and marketing arm, where he reports to Kwan Vandenberg.

“Over the past few years, Niels has played an essential role on all global releases, partnering with the Focus team to bring alignment to their international slate, amplifying the label’s brand across the international markets and providing guidance on films to greenlight, while also helping to maximize Helen Parker’s Content Group titles across the globe,” said Kwan Vandenberg, announcing the appointment to Universal staff.

Universal is hot off the success of Jurassic World Rebirth, which opened well ahead of expectations this past weekend, grossing $323 million worldwide. The seventh installment in the dinosaur-themed action franchise scored the biggest worldwide opening of the year to date for a Hollywood release. Focus Features’ latest, Wes Anderson’s The Phoenician Scheme, has earned close to $40 million worldwide to date.

As executive vp and MD at Universal Pictures International, a position he has held since 2021, Swinkels oversees day-to-day operations of UPI’s business, including the studio’s international theatrical distribution efforts, regional partnerships, productions and market expansion. A Dutch national, Swinkels joined Universal in 2004. He is based in L.A..