Sony Pictures Television International (SPTI) has promoted Tom Davidson to vp, International Networks, where he will play a key role in developing SPTI's television networks business in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, with a focus on increasing distribution for its global channel brands AXN, Animax and Sony Ent. Television on both traditional pay-tv platforms and increasingly into the broadband and mobile worlds.
SPTI's networks business in Europe continues to grow with channels currently available in Italy, Spain, Portugal, Israel, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Poland, Hungary, Romania, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Bulgaria. Davidson will relocate to SPTI's European headquarters in London and will report to Ross Hair, SPTI's svp, International Networks, Europe.
"We have built a significant channels business that now covers most of mainland Europe," said Hair. "In doing so, we have developed a talented team at SPTI well versed in creating channel content that connects with viewers across the region. Tom has a proven track record of success and understands intimately how our channels operate. In his most recent role, Tom's leadership has been instrumental in growing our AXN channel in Central Europe from one million subscribers at launch in 2003 to nearly five million today. I'm thrilled that Tom has accepted this position and I look forward to working with him here in London."
Davidson was gm of AXN, Central Europe based in Budapest where he was instrumental in driving AXN's phenomenal distribution growth and in boosting the channel's outstanding ratings across the region. He secured top U.S. series such as LOST and THE AMAZING RACE, and blockbuster feature films, such as CHARLIE'S ANGELS: FULL THROTTLE, ARMAGEDDON and THE USUAL SUSPECTS, which fueled tremendous viewer and media interest in the service. Two years after launch, AXN tops the multi-channel ratings in Poland.
Previous to AXN, Davidson was Sony Pictures Ent's exec director, finance, based at the company's headquarters in Culver City, California. Prior to joining SPE in 2000, Davidson gained invaluable experience in Central Europe helping launch HBO Romania, the country's first premium TV channel, where he served as chief financial officer.
Fluent in Romanian, Davidson began his career in 1992 as an auditor at KPMG Peat Marwick.
Sony Pictures Television International (SPTI) operates three complementary lines of business: 1) distribution of Sony Pictures Entertainment's feature films and television programming to television outlets around the world, 2) local television production in key international markets and 3) international television networks. In addition to being a leader in the distribution of current and classic U.S. and international films and television product worldwide, SPTI produces high profile, locally produced television in local languages. With dedicated offices in France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Miami (Latin America), the People's Republic of China, Russia, Spain and the U.K.; SPTI oversees production in nine regions. SPTI's worldwide television networks portfolio is a key strategy in the company's long-range commitment to the global marketplace, with approximately 40 networks in more than 100 countries reaching some 240 million viewers worldwide. SPTI is a Sony Pictures Ent. company.
