newsmakers/24inches/1stjc/mark2nd

Banking/Finance

Prudential Securities announced the hiring of Robert Ellis as vice president of investments. Ellis will work out of the investment firm’s Century City office. He previously worked as a vice president with Smith Barney.

Sanwa Bank California has announced the hiring of J. Kendall Whiting to the position of vice president and manager of commercial banking. Whiting, who will be based in Beverly Hills, was formerly with First Interstate Bank and will be responsible for expanding the bank’s entertainment banking department.

Entertainment/Media

Promark Entertainment Group has named Gil Wishnick to the position of vice president of creative affairs. Wishnick was formerly director of development after joining the Los Angeles-based company two years ago. He previously worked in executive positions for Republic Pictures, Triton Pictures and the Samuel Goldwyn Co.

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc. announced that A. Robert Pisano has been promoted to vice president. The newly created position places him in charge of the business operations for MGM including MGM Music, MGM Interactive and MGM Consumer Products. He has worked for the company since 1993 and previously was a partner with O’Melveny & Meyers. Pisano will be based in Santa Monica.

Amanda Marashinsky has been promoted to senior vice president of worldwide publicity for MGM Distribution Co. of Santa Monica. She will be responsible for all national and regional publicity for theatrical releases from both MGM Pictures and United Artists. Marashinsky was formerly vice president of national publicity for the company.

Janice Meagher has been appointed senior vice president of marketing for Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal CityWalk. In her new position, Meagher will oversee advertising, promotions, broadcast development and publicity. She previously served as senior director for Pepsico’s Taco Bell Division.

High Technology

System One Technical Inc. has named Mark Whittington to the new post of chief operating officer. Whittington joined the company in 1994 as chief financial officer. Prior to joining the Los Angeles office of System One, he worked as managing director for Tunstall Consulting Inc.

International Meta Systems Inc. announced the appointment of Lee W. Hoevel as president of the El Segundo-based company. George W. Smith, formerly president, will remain chief executive officer and chairman of the board. Hoevel formerly worked as chief technical officer for AT & T;’s computer systems group.

Law

John H. Irons, David L. Packer and Stephanie C. Silvers were recently promoted to partner at Pircher, Nichols & Meeks, a national real estate law firm headquartered in Los Angeles. All three are recent hires to the firm. The 45-attorney practice also includes litigation, bankruptcy, environmental, corporate, tax and public finance matters.

Stroock & Stroock & Lavan announced that Gregory A. Braya nd Ron R. Goldie have joined the firm as partners in its Los Angeles office. Bray’s practice includes bankruptcy, corporate reorganization and debt restructuring. Goldie will focus his practice on domestic and international transactions dealing with business planning including work in mergers and acquisitions.

Real Estate

Clay Hammerstein has been promoted to senior managing director of Julien J. Studley Inc. of Los Angeles. Hammerstein specializes in the representation of law firms and financial institutions. Over the past year, he has brokered transactions for Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corp. and J.P. Morgan.

Bob Reynolds has been named vice president of land acquisition for the AMCAL Group of Companies. Reynolds has previously worked for Monarch Homes, Nevada Griffin Homes, and the Antelope Valley Building Industry Association. AMCAL, based in Westlake Village, manages more than $100 million of real estate in Southern California and Arizona.

Transpacific Development Co. has announced the appointment of W. Randall Boggan as chief financial officer. In his new position, Boggan will be responsible for the financing relationships of TDC properties in Arizona, California and Hawaii. He comes to the Torrance-based company after working for L.A. Gear Inc.

Retail

The Store of Knowledge announced the promotion of Laura C. Wynne to president and chief operating officer. Wynne was formerly senior vice president for the Los Angeles-based company. Store of Knowledge operates a chain of 29 stores nationwide, that sells education related items.

Also, Anne McLaughlin was promoted to executive vice president and chief financial officer. She was formerly vice president and treasurer of Wherehouse Entertainment.