Universal Pictures has hired Vanity Fair’s West Coast Director Britt Hennemuth as their new SVP of Production Development and Special Projects.
In the new role, Hennemuth will be embedded within Universal’s creative team to develop and oversee production on projects, foster connections with talent, and draw upon his extensive media expertise to advise other departments on key matters. Hennemuth will directly report to Universal Pictures President, Peter Cramer.
Hennemuth is currently transitioning out of Vanity Fair and will start at Universal this summer.
“Britt is a true cinephile, and through his stellar work at Vanity Fair, he has been a leader in telling stories that help shape culture and amplify new voices,” said Cramer. “His well-respected skills and experience will be the perfect complement to our team at Universal Pictures as we continue to bring a wide range of innovative films to global theatrical audiences.”
Said Hennemuth, “It has been an honor to come of age under Radhika Jones, Krista Smith and Graydon Carter, and work alongside the world class staff and contributors at Vanity Fair. I have been incredibly lucky to hold a ring-side seat to our changing culture for the last nine years. It is with the same enthusiasm and passion for storytelling that I will begin my next journey with Universal under Donna and Peter.”
As West Coast Director at Vanity Fair, Hennemuth assisted in leading talent relations and outreach for the brand across all platforms, including covers, portfolios, videos, and events. He was involved heavily in curating the annual Hollywood Issue as well as the Vanity Fair Oscar Party. Hennemuth also managed the magazine’s monthly Vanities column speaking to some of Hollywood’s most promising rising stars. His cover stories and profiles count sitdowns with Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lopez, Renée Zellweger, Timothée Chalamet and others.
Hennemuth began his career at the magazine as an intern in 2015, and over his tenure held several senior editorial roles, including Features Editor and Senior West Coast Editor.
