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Los Angeles, - Russell Schwartz has been named President of Domestic Theatrical Marketing for New Line Cinema, it was announced today by Rolf Mittweg, President and Chief Operating Officer of Worldwide Distribution and Marketing for New Line. Schwartz will replace Joe Nimziki, who will be leaving the company to write and direct feature films, among them Just Like A Woman, a romantic gender-bender comedy set up at New Line.

Schwartz, who will report to Mittweg, is highly respected as one of the community's most creative marketing executives. During his career, he has successfully launched campaigns for motion pictures such as Traffic, Four Weddings and a Funeral, Fargo, and Being John Malkovich, among others.

"Russell comes from the guerilla marketing trenches and has established himself as an industry innovator and leader who is equally savvy juggling mainstream blockbusters and sophisticated arthouse projects," Mittweg said. "Moving forward, New Line has one of the most prestigious slates in its history and the studio's marketing department could not be in better or more capable hands. Russell is a consummate executive respected throughout the community for his collaborative approach with filmmakers and talent, and we know he will redefine the studio's reputation as a marketing leader."

Said Schwartz: "Rolf, Bob (Shaye) and Michael (Lynne) have afforded me a tremendous opportunity to continue to challenge myself with a company that has set so many production and marketing benchmarks over the years. I couldn't be happier coming to New Line at this point in the company's life with its awe-inspiring slate.

On his departure from USA Films, Schwartz added: "I thank Barry Diller for allowing me to help establish USA and I am very proud of what Scott Greenstein and I have built over the past two years. Though I leave USA with somewhat of a heavy heart, I know the company will remain strong because its staff is strong."

The marketing department will remain intact under Schwartz, who will officially begin his duties June 1st. With respect to Nimziki's departure, Mittweg added, "During his tenure with New Line, Joe distinguished himself with campaigns for Rush Hour 2, The Cell, Blow, Final Destination, Next Friday and many others. But from the beginning, we knew that Joe's true passion was to establish himself as a filmmaker and we support him and wish him nothing but success as he moves on towards that goal."

"I truly love everyone I worked with at New Line," said Nimziki. "I'm glad New Line is not only allowing but supporting me in my next professional chapter."

As Schwartz joins New Line, he will oversee marketing on a slate of highly anticipated films that includes The Lord of the Rings trilogy; Rush Hour 2, starring Chris Tucker and Jackie Chan; John Q, starring Denzel Washington; Simone, starring Al Pacino; Life As a House, starring Kevin Kline; an untitled film starring Sean Penn and Michelle Pfeiffer; About Schmidt, starring Jack Nicholson; and Blade 2, starring Wesley Snipes.

Prior to joining New Line, Schwartz served as President of USA Films - a title he has held since May, 1999. He previously served as President of Gramercy Pictures. He held that position from the company's inception in 1992 through its absorption into USA Films in 1999. While at Gramercy Pictures, Schwartz led the marketing team responsible for such box-office successes as Bean, Dead Man Walking, and Elizabeth, among others.

In addition to its commercial success, Traffic sealed Schwartz's reputation as a campaign veteran during the heavily competitive Awards season. He has led many successful Oscar, Golden Globe and Guild Awards campaigns. Under Schwartz's guidance, USA's Traffic earned four Academy Awards, Topsy Turvy won two Academy Awards, and Renee Zellweger received a Best Actress Golden Globe. While at Gramercy, releases such as Elizabeth, Fargo, When We Were Kings, Dead Man Walking, The Usual Suspects, and The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, together earned a total of eight Academy Awards. The company also received Academy Award nominations in the Best Picture category three times (for Four Weddings and a Funeral, Fargo, and Elizabeth).

Prior to the formation of Gramercy Pictures, Mr. Schwartz was Executive Vice President of Miramax Films. From 1989 to 1991, Mr. Schwartz was responsible for the overall marketing plans of the company's film releases, including the Academy Award-winning My Left Foot and Cinema Paradiso; the Academy Award-nominated The Grifters; and Madonna: Truth Or Dare.

Founded in 1967, New Line Cinema is the entertainment industry's leading independent producer and distributor of theatrical motion pictures. New Line licenses its films to ancillary markets including cable and broadcast television as well as to international venues. The company, which is a subsidiary of AOL Time Warner Inc., operates several divisions including in-house theatrical distribution, marketing, home video, television, acquisitions, production, licensing and merchandising units.