New President of International Film & Television at SPE

CULVER CITY: Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) has hired Sanford Panitch, previously the president of Fox International Productions, to serve as its new president of international film and television.

Panitch will report directly to Michael Lynton, the company's CEO. He will oversee global film and TV co-productions as well as local-language film and television productions. In regard to international television, he will coordinate with Andrea Wong, the president of international production at Sony Pictures Television.

Previously, Panitch was the founding president of Fox International Productions, a division of 20th Century Fox. There, he oversaw all local production activities in 12 territories around the globe in Latin America, Europe, India and China. Before establishing that division, Panitch served as the president of filmed entertainment at New Regency and executive VP of production at 20th Century Fox.

"Sanford is a talented and strategic senior executive with an exceptional career working with a wide range of international productions and talent," said Lynton. "There is tremendous growth potential in the international and local language markets, and we are thrilled to have someone with Sanford's experience join our team."

"I'm honored to join the SPE team at this pivotal moment in the studio's history," commented Panitch. "I am eternally grateful for my years at Fox working with Jim and all my long-time colleagues. This new role comes at a time of unprecedented change in the international marketplace especially in television; it's a wonderful and unique opportunity to work with Steve Mosko, his outstanding organization and again with my friend Tom Rothman."