SPT restructures distribution as Mike Wald retires

Sony Pictures Television has restructured its distribution team, with veteran exec Mike Wald retiring.

Wald has spent more than three decades with the company, most recently as co-president of distribution & networks.

Before that he worked in roles across the US, Asia and Europe, helping to set up AXN Asia and SET India, and went on to become a key figure for the company’s global sales efforts.

His exit follows that of Flory Bramnick, SPT’s exec vice president of North America Distribution, who departed last month to spend more time with family following a two-decade long stint.

The departures have prompted a broader rejig for the sales operation, which falls under SPT chairman Keith Le Goy, who himself rose through the distribution ranks before taking his current job at the US studio.

The restructure sees Jason Spivak and Paul Littmann becoming presidents of distribution & networks, working on sales and emerging distribution models.

Spivak was previously co-president of distribution & networks, while Littmann was exec vice president of global distribution.

Mark Young, who had led EMEA distribution, is now taking on the role of exec vice president and head of International, adding LatAm and APAC to his remit.

Monica Veiga, as previously reported, has taken in responsibility for North America.

SPT said the reshuffle reflected SPT’s focus on growth opportunities across the distribution landscape, including YouTube and FAST channels.

Spivak and Littman will oversee a new senior exec - yet to be appointed - who will target growth on YouTube and digital platforms, reflecting what the studio described as their “increasing importance” for audience development and monetisation.

In a note to staff, Le Goy said: “After 32 years with Sony Pictures Television, Mike Wald has decided to retire at the end of this year.

“It is with mixed emotions that I announce his decision, which follows the news we shared earlier this month that Flory Bramnick will be stepping away after 24 years with the company. I have had the distinct privilege of working closely with Mike and Flory for many years, and it is hard to overstate the impact they have had on our business and the people around them.”

Le Goy added: “We have strong momentum across the business, including in areas with significant potential for continued growth such as YouTube, FAST, digital platforms and other performance-based models.

“Our independence gives us a unique advantage in pursuing these opportunities, with the flexibility to move quickly, work across virtually every major platform and market, and continually find new ways to maximise the value and reach of our content.”

SPT recently agreed a multi-year global pay 1 agreement with Netflix and renewed licensing agreements for Seinfeld with the streamer and Paramount.

It has also moved into fully financing shows, with S.W.A.T. Exiles going on to sell globally.