Buena Vista International Television (BVITV) has appointed Philippe Maigret svp of portfolio development. Maigret will be based in London and report directly to by Tom Toumazis, svp/md, BVITV EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa). Maigret is charged with implementing an acquisition and co-production strategy and focus on closer liaisoning with all internal and third party producer groups including Walt Disney Studios, Miramax, Touchstone Television and ABC Cable Network Groups as well as TV Animation.
Working with BVITVs sales and marketing teams, Maigret will ensure that the BVITV portfolio of programming continues to provide broadcasters around the world with premium product that can drive all areas of their schedules.
Laurie Younger, president of worldwide TV distribution, said, "Philippe will play an important role in enhancing relationships with our U.S. producer groups that allows them to be better informed of the changes and opportunities taking place in the international market."
David Hulbert, president of Walt Disney Television International, added, "Toms philosophy at BVITV has been to move us ever closer to our clients, to listen to what they want, and to understand their business. This position will fulfill a key role in that process and positions us well to build on the strong international appeal of the BVITV portfolio."
Maigret was partner and coo of Electric Entertainment, the company formed by producer Dean Devlin in 2001 after the reorganization of Centropolis Entertainment. Maigret was in charge of the strategic development of the companys motion pictures, television, interactive, special affects and music businesses. Previously he worked as senior international television distribution exec at DreamWorks where he was responsible for the pay and free television distribution of DreamWorks' filmed entertainment in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, the Middle East and Africa.
