Newsmakers

Entertainment Bob Brassel has been named senior vice president of production at Warner Brothers Pictures. He re-joined Warner Brothers after having served as vice president of production at DreamWorks SKG. Brassel will supervise the development and production of various feature films and report directly to Lorenzo di Bonaventura, president of worldwide production. During his previous tenure at Warner Brothers, he was involved with the development and production of films including “The Fugitive,” “Interview With The Vampire” and “Something to Talk About.” He first joined the company in 1986 as executive assistant to Mark Canton and rose through the ranks to senior vice president of production in 1993. Finance Scott Anderson, a 13-year Countrywide Credit Industries veteran, was promoted to executive vice president of production support of Countrywide’s wholesale lending division. As divisional executive vice president (DEVP) of production and sales for the past 2 & #733; years, Anderson’s responsibilities broadened to include most functions supporting day-to-day division operations. In addition to leading sales, marketing and product support, he oversees underwriting, risk management, training and customer service initiatives. Previously, as DEVP of national sales support, he was instrumental in developing training and support programs for branch personnel as well as business partners. Chuck Hoffmans is the new chief financial officer of Countrywide’s wholesale lending division after serving as senior vice president of finance and administration. In that position, he oversees financial policies and administration at the division and branch levels. He also has responsibility for loan pricing support, financial reporting and the division’s human resources efforts. Hoffmans joined Countrywide as senior vice president of corporate financial administration in 1994 from the accounting firm of Arthur Andersen. Brian Robinett has been named executive vice president of production of Countrywide Credit Industries’ wholesale lending division and directs the division’s origination and business development activities. He oversees wholesale branches nationwide and reports directly to division head Todd Dal Porto. Robinett had served as senior vice president of production for the western division since joining Countrywide in the fall of 1998. A 15-year veteran of the mortgage industry, he previously was senior vice president and western regional manager for Residential Funding Corporation/HomeComings Financial Network. Internet/Telecommunication Martin S. Albert has joined the Board of Directors of Franklin Telecommunications Corp, a provider of telecommunications services. He replaces Robert S. Harp, who joins Franklin’s advisory board. Albert is co-founder and managing partner of the AmerScan Group. He has worked in the venture capital industry for nearly 15 years. Licensing Aaron Davis has been promoted to the new post of licensing director, broadcast and cable at Megatrax Production Music, a supplier of original production music for film, television, advertising and multimedia. Davis will be responsible for the creative and contractual relationships between Megatrax, cable networks and broadcast television stations. He will also be involved with the development of the music library. His client relationships include A & E;, TBS, Discovery Networks, Playboy, Nickelodeon and ESPN. Davis joined the company in 1996 as an account executive. Operations Carol Dignard has joined Mission Valley Bank (in organization) as vice president/operations manager. From 1994 to 1999 she was vice president, operations for American Pacific State Bank’s Sun Valley branch. Ilana Porat Koch has been named senior vice president and general manager for Universal CityWalk. In her new position, Koch will have full responsibility for operations, leasing, marketing, sales and finance. Koch played a major role in the recent expansion of CityWalk. She joined the company in 1997 as director of strategic planning and finance and was promoted to vice president, CityWalk business development in 1999. Her responsibilities included all aspects of business development for the Universal Studio Cinemas and hotel operations. Prior to joining the company, Koch served as a consultant at Price Waterhouse. Pharmaceuticals Vernon Brunner has joined the board of directors of Natrol Inc., a manufacturer and marketer of branded dietary supplements based in Chatsworth. Brunner recently retired from the Walgreen Company where he served on the board of directors and was the company’s executive vice president, marketing until he retired. Brunner is also a member of the board of directors of First Midwest Bancorp Inc. in Itasca, Ill. Laura Moore will assume the position of corporate secretary for Natrol Inc. Moore joined the company in 1997 as a direct report to Elliott Balbert, chairman of the board of Natrol. In her capacity as a direct report she helped streamline and was responsible for the general administration of the business. As corporate secretary, she will assist the board. Real Estate Reza M. Nashat was named research manager of Marcus & Millichap Real Estate Investment Brokerage Company’s Encino office. Nashat will focus on apartment, office and retail properties in the San Fernando Valley. Prior to this, Nashat was involved in asset management with Millenium Holdings Inc. In that capacity, he managed over 1,000 apartments and 200,000 square feet of commercial space.