Deloitte appointed Kevin Westcott to lead its media and entertainment (M&E) practice in the U.S. within the technology, media and telecommunications (TMT) practice.

Westcott succeeds Jerry Belson, who will continue to serve as the global TMT consulting leader. Both are principals with Deloitte Consulting.

Westcott will support a community of nearly 700 professionals who specialize in areas across the M&E sector. He will be responsible for driving key sector initiatives that will help M&E companies adapt in an environment of increased competition, evolving business models, continued technology innovation and changing global market regulations. He also will serve as an advisor to senior management of the sector’s leading clients.

Westcott, based in Los Angeles, has more than 25 years of experience in strategic and operational planning, as well as implementing global business change and technology projects for major media organizations. His industry experience spans film, television, home entertainment, broadcasting, publishing, licensing and games. Westcott is a lead spokesperson for Deloitte’s Digital Democracy Survey, an annual look at media trends, and speaks regularly on media and entertainment consumption trends at elite industry conferences.

“M&E companies face an ever-evolving and morphing climate as new technologies come into play, constantly disrupting traditional business models. Kevin’s outstanding client service experience and depth and breadth of knowledge in the M&E sector will help our clients address some of their most pressing challenges,” said Sandy Shirai, vice chairperson of Deloitte. “I want to thank Jerry for his outstanding leadership over the last four years, and for his commitment to our clients and our people in M&E.”