Sony Pictures' Amy Pascal Resigns Amid Hack Fallout

It's been two months since the massive leak of data spilled out of Sony Pictures Entertainment, revealing confidential emails, financial records and a list of upcoming projects.

The hack centered on controversy around the then-upcoming release of The Interview on Christmas Day. Even with the leak, the studio wanted to keep the data confidential, even going so far as to threaten lawsuits against publications and social media if the emails were published. Through it all, Sony Pictures Entertainment co-chairwoman Amy Pascal led the studio through the storm, but her leadership is coming to an end as the company announced her resignation, effective in May.

Pascal's resignation puts all her power under Michael Lynton, Sony Pictures' chief executive. According to the New York Times, Pascal's resignation has been in the works for quite some time.

Lynton shuffled personnel through the ranks, essentially giving him the necessary staff that he hoped would help increase profits for the studio. Sony Pictures was already losing money with its operating income dropping from $200 million to only $20 million in a year over year comparison, and the hack by the Guardians of Peace seemed to be the last straw in Pascal's career. Recently, the company said it would be investing $15 million to investigate the hack as well as bolster their security measures.

Although Pascal is stepping down from the leadership, she is still working with the studio on a new project. "I have spent almost my entire professional life at Sony Pictures, and I am energized to be starting this new chapter based at the company I call home," she said. The company has yet to announce a successor for Pascal's position.

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