Jack Ledwith, senior VP of international distribution for Universal Pictures, will receive the 2012 “CinemaCon Passepartout Award" at CinemaCon’s International Day Luncheon on April 23 in Las Vegas. The Passepartout Award is presented annually to an industry executive for dedication and commitment to the international marketplace.

“Jack Ledwith is one of the most outstanding, dedicated and respected executives working in the industry today,” said CinemaCon managing director Mitch Neuhauser. “Throughout his long and illustrious career, he has made significant contributions to furthering the advancement of the international marketplace.”

Ledwith has held his current position since 2007. In this role, he oversees all aspects of international distribution for the studio's feature film slate including the assessment of release dates and box-office results, as well as managing the Los Angeles international office. He joined Universal in 1996 as director of international planning and analysis, and during his tenure at Universal, the studio had its three highest-grossing years at the international box office. He has worked on several international blockbusters including Jurassic Park, Mamma Mia!, Inglourious Basterds and the Bourne, American Pie and Fast and Furious franchises.

Before coming to Universal, Ledwith worked in domestic distribution at Avco Embassy Pictures in New York City. He started working in international distribution at DeLaurentiis Entertainment Group in 1988 and moved over to Carolco Pictures from 1990 to 1996. He is currently on the steering committee of Universal’s Content Protection Team, and he is also an active member of the NBC-Universal Mentoring Program.

The world’s largest gathering of cinema owners and operators, CinemaCon will take place April 23-26 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.