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An operative on the Universal lot shot us this message a few moments ago:

Ron Meyer called an all employee meeting on the lot today at 9:30 AM. He is going to announce who is replacing Stacey Snider. Hasn't announced yet...minutes away.

But even before we could quickly type out a joke about white smoke rising from the Vatican Thrill-Ride at the Universal Studios theme park, we've been told that it's been announced that as expected, Uni vice-chairman Marc Shmuger and Focus Features co-president David Linde will co-chair the studio. No details yet, but as we must say in these situations: Developing...

UPDATE: Here's the internal e-mail from Ron Meyer announcing that Shmuger is promoted to Chairman and Linde to Co-Chairman:

I'm pleased to announce that we have named Marc Shmuger, Chairman, and David Linde, Co-Chairman, Universal Pictures.

Effective immediately, Marc and David will be responsible for overseeing all domestic and international business units of Universal Pictures, Focus Features/Rogue Pictures and Universal Studios Home Entertainment, including production, distribution, marketing, legal and business affairs, acquisitions, consumer products, corporate partnerships, strategic planning and finance. Marc has played a critical role in the success of Universal Pictures serving as Vice Chairman, Universal Pictures, since 2000, and David has successfully served as Co-President of the award-winning specialized film division , Focus Features, and President of the newly launched genre label, Rogue Pictures.

To have them both come from our deep bench of talent gives us a unique competitive advantage and provides continuity for the business and the entire team. I'm confident that their experience, leadership and commitment will be instrumental in our continued success.

Please join me in congratulating them both.

Thanks,

Ron