Sonar Entertainment Names Interim CEO

LOS ANGELES: Thomas Lesinski, a former president of Paramount Pictures Digital Entertainment, has been named interim CEO of indie outfit Sonar Entertainment.

Lesinski is a member of Sonar’s board of directors. He is replacing outgoing CEO Gene Stein, who is leaving to pursue other opportunities. Sonar’s board of directors is currently searching for Stein’s permanent successor.

“We are very grateful and appreciative of the contributions of Gene Stein,” said Gabriel de Alba, chairman of Sonar’s board of directors. “Gene leaves the company well positioned for future success, especially in development and production. We wish Gene well in his future endeavors.”

Lesinski is the CEO and founder of Energi Entertainment and is the former president of Paramount Pictures Digital Entertainment and president of worldwide home entertainment for Paramount. Prior to that, he was at Warner Bros. for a decade, last serving as executive VP and general manager of the company’s home entertainment division.

“Tom’s proven track record and extensive experience ensure a smooth transition going forward,” said de Alba. “We are excited about Sonar’s continued growth in scripted TV in the months ahead, as well as expansion into areas such as non-scripted, original digital content and animation.”

Sonar is currently in various stages of production on a number of prominent projects attached to a variety of networks, including the epic fantasy series The Shannara Chronicles for MTV and the Eli Roth-helmed series South of Hell for WE tv.