Former Disney Exec to Head Sony Russia

LONDON: Sony Pictures Television (SPT) has appointed former Disney Channel Russia exec Vadim Sokolovsky as managing director for SPT Productions Russia and Lean-M Productions.

Sokolovsky will manage all aspects of Sony’s TV-production business in Russia, including development, sales and production of programming, as well as the financial performance, strategic vision, operation and growth of those companies. He will report to Jeff Lerner, the senior VP of scripted programming and international production for SPT. He takes up his position at the beginning of September and will be based at SPT’s Moscow office.

Sokolovsky is an award-winning producer, director and writer with some two decades of experience in the Russian and international film and TV industry. His feature film credits include The Book of Masters, a critically acclaimed Russian-language theatrical release. Sokolovsky’s TV productions include Ticket to Harem, which delivered top ratings for the Rossiya channel. At Disney Channel Russia, Sokolovsky produced the long-running comedy series As the Bell Rings. He served as director of film and production and acquisition at The Walt Disney Company Russia and CIS, where he supervised development, production and deal making for Disney’s Russian language film and TV businesses.

Lerner said: “SPT is a leader in delivering high quality Russian language programming that consistently drives ratings for our clients. Vadim is the perfect choice to continue that legacy and build our business going forward. He has excellent creative and production credentials, strong relationships with buyers, and a passion for producing high quality programming that speaks to Russian-language audiences at home and abroad.”