SPTI Restructures International Productions Unit

LONDON: Kees Abrahams has been named the new president of international production at Sony Pictures Television International.

The move is part of SPTI’s plan to streamline its global production efforts following the acquisition of 2waytraffic and investments in other outfits in Europe.

Abrahams, the former CEO of 2waytraffic, now runs SPTI’s entire production group, which has offices in France, Germany, Hong Kong, Miami, China, Russia, Spain and the U.K.  He remains based in 2waytraffic’s Hilversum headquarters and reports to Michael Grindon, SPTI’s president. In related news, Mike Morley has been appointed as SPTI’s executive VP and chief creative officer for international production, reporting to Abrahams and based in London. Morley, previously with Endemol, heads up all creative aspects of SPTI’s production group for both scripted and non-scripted content, as well as format sales and acquisitions planning. He is also responsible for developing formats that can be adapted in multiple territories.  

"Kees and Mike have worked together in the past, so bringing them together at SPTI makes perfect sense," said Grindon. "Kees helped guide 2waytraffic to become a leading entertainment company and he brings a wealth of experience to the management of our various production businesses. Mike has an impressive track record in developing content and is uniquely qualified to provide creative leadership for the entire production group, while also developing successful scripted and non-scripted formats."