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International publishing director Peter Cowie has announced his decision to leave his full-time post at the helm of Variety‘s international business operations to focus on his writing career, while continuing to edit and publish Variety‘s International Film Guide.

Cowie founded IFG in the 1960s and has overseen its operations as it has grown into one of the preeminent research and business tools of the film business.

He will also continue to work with Variety as senior international adviser, interfacing with the global team headed in London by executive editor/international managing director Steven Gaydos.

“For a dozen years, Peter has ably directed our international business. While we will miss his day-to-day stewardship, we are fortunate to have him remain a valued member of the Variety family,” said Charles Koones, Group VP and publisher of Variety.

“As any world film buff can tell you,” said Gaydos, “Peter Cowie is one of the pioneering experts on cinema and the global film fest scene. Thankfully, we’ll be able to access his expertise and I expect great advances and innovations as he moves the Film Guide into the electronic future.”

“It’s been a terrific ride at Variety, with the paper more firmly established as a market leader than it was when I joined in 1989,” Cowie said. “I’ve had the joy and privilege of working with a wonderful team in London and further afield, and it’s good to know that my continuing role at Variety will keep me a part of the world’s premier entertainment news organization.”

Cowie’s “The ‘Apocalypse Now’ Book” will be published this fall by Faber and Faber.