MCA Names Home Video Unit President

Robert Blattner, president of RCA/Columbia Pictures Home Video since 1983, has been named president of MCA Inc.'s home video division. He replaces Eugene F. Giaquinto, who was placed on a leave of absence last month following news reports that the FBI suspects him of funneling company money to a reputed East Coast Mafia boss.

The company's announcement Thursday did not mention Giaquinto. Harold M. Haas, MCA vice president, treasurer and chief financial officer, said Giaquinto remains on a paid leave of absence. He noted that Blattner will not assume the pay-television part of Giaquinto's prior duties as head of the home video division.

Sidney Jay Sheinberg, MCA president and chief operating officer, had announced Dec. 15 that Giaquinto had "been placed on a leave of absence and relieved of all MCA responsibilities, pending further investigation."

Blattner had been vice president and general manager of the RCA/Columbia entity since 1982 and previously had held the same titles at Columbia Pictures home entertainment division since 1981.

W. Patrick Campbell, meanwhile, has been named president of RCA/Columbia Pictures Worldwide Home Video. He will remain headquartered in New York.