FILM bosses have head-hunted a top drawer Broadway producer for a prime position at Leavesden Studios.

Robert W McTyre, 48, former producer of the hit Broadway show Disney's Beauty and the Beast, has been appointed executive vice-president and executive producer.

The American will supervise creative development and production for the soon-to-be developed studio tour and entertainment complex.

Also in charge of marketing, he joins forces with Mr Norm Doerges, president and chief operating officer of Leavesden Studios.

A spokesman for the studios said: "The combined talent of Doerges and McTyre ranks among the world's best in their field of operation and design, creative direction, production, sales and marketing in the entertainment industry."

Mr Doerges said: "I am delighted to have Bob join me and the Leavesden team. We worked together with great success at Disney.

"Bob has a unique breadth of experience in the entertainment and marketing fields. We welcome his expertise and creative energy to our exciting project."

Since 1994, apart from producing Beauty and the Beast, Mr McTyre has been senior vice-president of Walt Disney theatrical productions, responsible for forming and running a fully integrated new business unit for the Walt Disney Company.

He supervised the pre-production of future theatrical productions of The Lion King, Aida and King David.

Mr McTyre has also been the executive producer of more than 500 shows and events for the Disney organisation.

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