Sony and A+E alum joins Particle6 as CCO

AI-focused production company Particle6 has appointed former Sony and A+E Networks exec Tom Davidson as its first chief commercial officer, Broadcast International can reveal.

Davidson will work closely with Particle6 founder and chief exec Eline van der Velden to turbocharge the business’s development to support its expansion plans, both in the UK and globally.

He is responsible for devising and implementing commercial strategies to build on the UK-based company’s AI production efforts, as well as creating scalable models and pricing structures for the business, including its proprietary AI tools.

Davidson, who had been working with Particle6 as a consultant prior to this full-time role, has worked in the TV industry for more than three decades.

He previously held roles including general manager of Sony Pictures Networks and managing director at A+E Networks UK, and has worked on the roll out of channels across Europe, including HBO in Central Europe.

For the past decade, he has been running Niche Media Global, a London-based consultancy that has included ITV, UKTV, and PBS among its client base.

Particle6, which was founded by van der Velden in 2015, is behind recent Hearst Networks EMEA commission Two Sides of History and is also working on a raft of projects with US and European companies that lean on its expertise in AI.

Its output also ranges from Miss Holland (BBC3) to True Crime Secrets (Hearst Networks) and Look See Wow! (Sky Kids).

Davidson said: “Through my time as a consultant with Particle6, I have been hugely impressed with Eline and her team and their vision for the future. She has grown the company by being proactive and fully embracing the incredible opportunities that AI creates.

“As a result, the business has become a go-to company for advice and support in the industry, while also developing numerous AI-led projects of its own or in partnership with others. Particle6 is one of the most exciting businesses I’ve seen, and I am thrilled to be onboard as Eline’s co-pilot, helping to navigate what I expect to be a largely uncharted yet incredible journey.”

Van der Velden added that appointing Davidson was a “natural next step” following his spell as a consultant.

“Our world is rapidly changing and diversifying all the time: Tom will be a steady hand on the rudder, ensuring we make the best possible decisions for the business – and importantly, have fun doing it.”