Participant’s Rob Williams Named President of Content Strategy for Sumerian Pictures

Rob Williams, the veteran film executive who spent a decade at the now defunct Participant Media, has been named president of content strategy at Sumerian Pictures.

Founder and CEO Ash Avildsen announced the hire Friday, and has tasked Williams with expanding the unit’s film slate. Sumerian bills itself as an “artists-led independent creative studio,” and Williams will focus on bulking up releases for North America. Sumerian’s primary business is in the music space, publishing genres like rock and metal.

“Rob brings a wealth of experience, relationships and strong instincts in independent film. Most importantly, he shares our passion in telling and discovering compelling stories that deserve theatrical releases,” said Avildsen. “I have dedicated many years of my life to the Sumerian cause in music and now with Rob, we will bring that ethos into cinema. I am grateful to work alongside him and the company we are building together.