In a major and sudden shakeup at Alliance Atlantis' Motion Picture Distribution, chairman Victor Loewy and CEO Patrice Théroux have left the company.

"We are currently reviewing the strategic importance of the Motion Picture Distribution business and as promised, we will report back when this review has been concluded," said Phyllis Yaffe, Alliance Atlantis Communications' CEO, in a statement.

According to The Globe and Mail, Théroux was fired from his post, along with Paul Laberge, the distrib's general counsel. Loewy subsequently resigned.

Meanwhile, former Famous Players boss John Bailey has been named interim CEO of MPD. David Lazzarato, former vice chairman of the board of MPD and AAC exec vp and CFO, will take over as chair from Loewy.

Théroux assumed his position as CEO earlier this year, taking the place of Loewy, who then became chairman, amid talk that Canada's preeminent mini-major may soon abandon the distribution business.

Loewy cofounded Vivafilm - the company that eventually became the successful distrib Alliance Communications - with Robert Lantos in 1972. The company merged with Atlantis Communications in 1998, with Loewy named president, feature motion picture distribution.

Théroux joined Alliance in 1988 and was named president of MPD in 1998.