Sonar Bolsters Global Sales Force

LOS ANGELES: Sonar Entertainment has made a number of appointments in an expansion of its global sales team, including tapping former Lionsgate exec Carol Eymery to head up EMEA.

In making the announcement of the new hires, David Ellender, the president of global distribution and co-productions at Sonar Entertainment, emphasized 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 offices include London, Munich, Miami and Sydney, with an additional post opening in Singapore in 2017.

Eymery, who most recently served as senior VP of international distribution for Lionsgate International, has been named Sonar’s executive VP of international distribution for Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). In her new position, Eymery is responsible for program sales to all EMEA territories, across all traditional and digital formats and platforms. Eymery, who is based in London, will report to Ellender.

Kylie Munnich joins Sonar as senior VP of international distribution for Australasia. Munnich was most recently the director of drama and comedy for Sky Vision. Munnich also served as senior VP of distribution for Sony Pictures Television in both the Asia Pacific and Europe. Munnich, who also reports to Ellender, is based in Sydney.

Andres Santos has been named VP of international distribution for Latin America, Brazil and Hispanic North America. Prior to Sonar, Santos was sales manager for Televisa USA, and also held VP of sales roles with Dori Media America and RCTV International. Santos, based in Miami, reports to Ellender.

Roberta Ibba-Hartog has joined Sonar as senior VP of international distribution for EMEA. Ibba-Hartog comes to Sonar from Lionsgate UK, where she was senior VP of international distribution. Ibba-Hartog, who is based in London, reports to Eymery.

Patrick Phelan, who joined Sonar in 2015 as VP of international distribution for EMEA, retains his current role managing sales in Eastern Europe and the Middle East. Phelan, who continues to be based in Munich, reports to Eymery.

Louise Oliver has been named coordinator of international distribution for EMEA. Oliver has been with Sonar since 2007, supporting the sales teams and managing Sonar’s London office. Oliver is based in London and reports to Eymery.

“This is a dynamic sales team with a sophisticated ability to leverage both traditional and emerging platforms and rights,” commented Ellender. “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.”