Weinstein Co. COO David Glasser to leave studio after seven years

Harvey Weinstein is losing his right hand man.

Weinstein Co. Chief Operating Officer David Glasser said Thursday he is leaving the independent studio after seven years, despite the company’s efforts to keep him on board. He did not say where he will go next.

Glasser will remain with the New York company until November as the Weinstein brothers Harvey and Bob search for a replacement and prepare for Hollywood’s awards season.

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December will be a key month for the Weinstein Co. when it is set to release the Quentin Tarantino film “The Hateful Eight.�

Glasser will be missed, the Weinstein brothers said in a statement, and they are “in discussions with several high-level executives� to replace him.

“We were disappointed to hear of David’s decision,� the indie film impresarios said. “He has been one of the best executives we’ve had the privilege of working with and we have had a tremendous run together.�

Hollywood news website Deadline first reported the news.

Glasser said in his own statement that he had decided to leave to “take some time and explore� options in the industry.

This year’s slate for the Weinstein Co. has included the animated-live action hybrid “Paddington� and the Jake Gyllenhaal boxing film “Southpaw.�

The Weinstein Co., the brothers’ bounce-back act after leaving Miramax, has developed a reputation as an Oscar powerhouse, though it was relatively short on winners at this year’s ceremony.

It had back-to-back Best Picture winners in 2010 and 2011, with “The King’s Speech� and “The Artist,� respectively.

Glasser reportedly led discussions to possibly sell the Weinstein Co.’s television business, known for “Project Runway,� the the British company ITV, though no deal has materialized from those talks.

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