Sony opens distribution office in the Middle East

Sony Pictures Television is opening a sales office in Dubai. It will be run by Ziad Yaghi who has worked at Dubai Entertainment and Media Organisation, Tecom Authority and Orbit. Yaghi also founded the Dubai Film Market.

SPT already has a production business in the Middle East after launching Sony Pictures Arabia in November 2010. Its focus is on launching Sony scripted and unscripted formats in the region. The new office will focus on selling finished programming to the region’s broadcasters.

Yaghi, who becomes executive director, sales, for the Middle East, will report to Damian Newton, senior VP, sales, Middle East, Central & Eastern Europe, Greece, Turkey and Cyprus.

“Recent years have seen a boom in new TV channel launches across the Middle East, offering a real growth market that SPT’s distribution business can thrive in,” said Stuart Baxter, senior EVP, EMEA distribution. This new office is part of our ongoing commitment to get closer to our clients and gain a greater understanding of their needs.”