EXCLUSIVE: I’ve just learned that Michael Joe, Universal Pictures’ much valued EVP, has left the studio after 15 years and is jumping to Ryan Kavanaugh’s Relativity in a senior position. Almost everyone important at Universal is in Cannes for Robin Hood so I can’t gauge reaction. But Joe has been the company’s chief strategy officer, integrally involved in the studio’s business development and strategic planning. While continuing to oversee business development, he also directed the company’s digital initiatives, including wireless, interactive games and d-cinema. Plus, he engineered the company’s entry into new markets and technologies and represented Universal on anti-piracy, public policy and MPAA matters. He also managed Universal’s advanced technology group. Joe [...]