Sonar Entertainment renews its global distribution team

In making the announcement, David Ellender, President, Global Distribution and Co-Productions, stressed the advantages of having an ‘on the ground’ in-house distribution team in place that is fully culturally and linguistically integrated into the local and regional media communities in the key territories they represent. Sonar’s global offices include London, Munich, Miami and Sydney, with an additional office opening in Singapore in 2017.

‘This is a dynamic sales team with a sophisticated ability to leverage both traditional and emerging platforms and rights’, commented Ellender, and added: ‘Beyond that, these outstanding professionals are also our eyes and ears on the ground as we seek out strategic alliances and look to build local collaborations with producers and networks in all global territories. Bringing this team together is an enormous step in fulfilling our vision of Sonar as an industry leader delivering an unparalleled, customized level of service worldwide’.

As part of this restructuring, Carol Eymery, who most recently served as SVP, International Distribution for Lionsgate International, has been named Sonar’s EVP, International Distribution, Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA), being responsible of the sales to all EMEA territories, across all traditional and digital formats and platforms.

While at Lionsgate, Eymery handled all negotiations for the TV and SVOD sales of the company’s catalogue for French and German speaking territories and Benelux. Prior to Lionsgate, Eymery was Head of Sales for Slingshot Global Media, and VP, International Distribution for HBO where she promoted and maximized the television revenues of HBO’s original programming in major markets in Europe.

Kylie Munnich joins Sonar as SVP, International Distribution, Australia and Asia. Munnich was most recently director, Drama & Comedy for Sky Vision, where she informed scripted strategy across Sky Vision and assessed scripts for acquisition. Munnich also served as SVP, Distribution, Sony Pictures Television in both Asia Pacific and Europe, and director, Asia Pacific for MGM International Television Distribution.

In Latin America, Brazil and US Hispanic, Andres Santos has been named VP, International Distribution. The executive joins the company after being part of Televisa USA as Sales Manager, where he managed program distribution to Latin America and US Hispanic, Asia, Middle East and African territories. Santos also held VP of Sales roles with Dori Media America and RCTV International (Venezuela).

Former Lionsgate SVP, International Distribution, Roberta Ibba-Hartog has joined Sonar as SVP, International Distribution, EMEA. Prior to Lionsgate, Ibba-Hartog held senior international distribution positions at HBO Enterprises and Sony Pictures Television International (SPTI).

Also, Patrick Phelan, who joined Sonar in 2015, as VP, International Distribution, EMEA, retains his current role managing sales in Eastern Europe and Middle East. Phelan came to Sonar after serving as Senior Sales Manager for Studiocanal TV. And Louise Oliver has been promoted as Coordinator, International Distribution, EMEA. Oliver has been with Sonar since 2007, supporting the sales teams and managing Sonar’s London office.

Sonar is bringing a number of high profile properties to MIPCOM in October, including Taboo, which stars Tom Hardy and is produced by Hardy, alongside Ridley Scott for FX and BBC One; The Son, starring Pierce Brosnan for AMC; and The Shannara Chronicles, recently renewed for a second season, which begins production early next year.