Global movie executive to speak at Humber Business Week
A top film industry executive who has worked on blockbuster titles such as Ice Age, Deadpool and The Revenant will return to Hull next month. Kieran Breen, a graduate of the University of Hull, has also helped develop BAFTA in the UK and US and will be talking of his experiences at Humber Business Week.The former president, international marketing at 20th Century Fox played a key role in work that generated box office sales in excess of $1bn and created hugely popular franchises such as Avatar and X-Men. Mr Breen was a co-head of all international theatrical territory operations for the film studio giant and was responsible for strategy, research, media, digital and social marketing, publicity, and promotions for all Fox, Fox Animation, Fox2000, and Regency movies in all territories outside of the US.He still serves on the advisory board of Hull University Business School, mentors students at the University and is a guest lecturer on film and marketing.Pat Coyle, chair of Humber Business Week, said: "Kieran has built a remarkable career, most recently at 20th Century Fox, where he led global teams across more than 50 territories and helped bring some of the most culturally defining films of recent decades to audiences worldwide. What makes Kieran’s story especially meaningful at Humber Business Week is his long-standing connection with Hull. An economics graduate of the University of Hull, he continues to give back to the city through his work on the advisory board of Hull University Business School, mentoring students and sharing his real-world experience of leadership and creativity."Alongside his marketing career, Kieran’s ongoing BAFTA roles speak volumes about his commitment to nurturing talent and supporting the wider creative industries. His journey is a powerful example of how world-class careers can be built from Humber roots."Earlier in Mr Breen's career, as marketing director for Polygram Filmed Entertainment, he worked on advertising and the international distribution for hit titles including Notting Hill, Trainspotting and Four Weddings and a Funeral, among others. He served four years as chairman of BAFTA North America and was also on the board of BAFTA London through 2020.There he championed the British film industry in the US and significantly influenced the group, hiring a new CEO, overhauling its governance and joining up its operations between LA, New York and London. He currently serves on the BAFTA commercial committee.Mr Breen is now consulting for studios and producers as well as developing projects for film and television through his company Liberty Star Films. He has also lectured on international distribution and marketing at numerous events including UCLA, London Film School, the London Business School and Inside Pictures, the UK’s pre-eminent industry training programme.He will speak at the Humber Business Week launch lunch, which will take place at midday on Monday June, 1 at the MKM Stadium in Hull.Mr Coyle added: "Humber Business Week 2026 promises to be better than ever with a packed, varied and exciting programme of some 50 events. Many are already close to capacity so I’d urge people to check the official website now to make sure they don’t miss out. We are incredibly lucky to be welcoming Kieran as our keynote speaker for the launch lunch, and with only a few seats still available we’re confident we’ll start Humber Business Week with a sell-out!"Did you know you can make Hull Live a preferred source of Hull news in Google, which will mean you get more of our breaking news, exclusives, and must-read stories straight away? Here's more information about what this means and how to do it - you can also do it straight away by clicking here.
