Mike Baard is the Managing Director of Universal Pictures International Australasia with oversight of the Australian and New Zealand markets.

 

Mike joined Universal in 2006 with the responsibility to set-up the new business operations for Universal Pictures in Australia. During Mike’s tenure Universal Pictures Australasia has successfully released more than 400 films generating over $3.5 Billion at the ANZ box office.

 

In 2021, Universal took on representation of Warner Bros. films in Australia and New Zealand. One of Hollywood’s legacy Studios, Warner Bros. brings a rich and distinctive slate of titles to cinemas During this time, Universal has managed the release of more than 70 titles generating over $900 Million at the ANZ box office.

 

Mike currently, or has previously, served in a number of leadership capacities including:

• Currently, he serves on the Board of Matchbox Pictures, a wholly owned subsidiary of NBCUniversal. It is one of the most credentialed and awarded production companies in Australia. Mike has previously served as Chairman of Matchbox Pictures.

• Currently, he serves as the Chairman of the Motion Picture Distributor’s Association, he has twice prior served in this capacity and has held a Board position since 2006.

• Currently serves on the Honorary Council of the Australian Academy of Film and Television Arts.

• Currently serves on the Board of the Melbourne International Film Festival.

• Previously served on the Board of the Australian Academy of Film and Television Arts and the Australian Film Institute.

• Previously served as President of the Australian Cinema Pioneers and spent ten years on their Executive Committee.