John McMahon reunited with Michael Grindon at Legendary Television

John McMahon has joined fledgling Legendary Television, a move that reunites the former Sony Pictures Television executive with Michael Grindon.

McMahon was European president and managing director of SPT until, after 21 years at the studio, he exited in 2009. He has been consulting since leaving SPT. Grindon is the Sony Pictures Television International president who joined Legendary in April to set up a new TV distribution unit.

McMahon has signed in as executive VP and managing director, EMEA, reporting to Grindon. He will manage distribution throughout the region from his London base. He will also build an EMEA sales team, Legendary said, and help formulate the overall TV sales strategy.

“John has held senior positions across the film and television landscape and brings with him a wealth of knowledge to Legendary’s international distribution business,” stated Grindon.

He added: “His expertise in developing and monetising content across all forms of digital media will allow Legendary to expeditiously extend its global reach and to foster innovative opportunities for our television content.”

“I am delighted to join Legendary as it embarks on the expansion of its international television business,” McMahon said. “The worldwide demand for quality television content is growing exponentially and I look forward to working with Michael, [former Warner Bros. TV boss] Bruce Rosenblum and the entire Legendary team as we successfully develop these new opportunities in the international marketplace.”

Legendary this week secured international rights to Alcon’s sci-fi drama series The Expanse, which is about to enter production.