Michael Thornton Joins Starz Executive Team

ENGLEWOOD: Starz Entertainment has added Michael Thornton to its executive team as the executive VP of business and legal affairs of programming, digital and worldwide distribution.

As executive VP, Thornton will develop the strategic direction of business and legal affairs involved in the acquisition of program content for Starz channels, on-demand and online, as well as overseeing distribution.

Prior to this, Thornton held the executive VP of business and legal affairs position at Disney/ABC Domestic Television since 2005.

"Michael is a talented executive with a keen legal mind who will serve us well in this executive capacity," said Steve Beabout, the executive VP, general counsel and secretary for Starz. "Michael has done business with Starz in several of his previous endeavors and his counterparts were impressed consistently with his business acumen and ability to strike mutually beneficial business relationships. We are delighted to have him join our executive team with a wide range of responsibilities, including business affairs responsibilities for our programming acquisition, digital, and international syndication business efforts."

"I am very pleased to join Starz during this exciting time in the company’s history, with opportunities for further expansion of its core premium pay TV, multiplatform and global syndication businesses," added Thornton. "This is a tremendous opportunity to return to Colorado with a career challenge that draws upon many of my past professional experiences."