Saban returns to distribution with new division

Saban Brands has launched a new international content sales unit.

Saban Brands founder Haim Saban has a long history in the content sales arena, but the US-producer and brand owner has been working with third-party distributors including LA-based Marvista.

It will now take global sales in-house.

The distribution unit will sell properties including Power Rangers, Julius Jr., Emojiville, Popples, the upcoming Cirque du Soleil Media property and Digimon Fusion to broadcasters and digital platforms.

Existing Saban staffers will run the distribution business. Frederic Soulie will run the division as senior VP, global distribution. Leila Ouledcheikh, vice president of distribution, EMEA, will head up sales for the region from Saban’s London office.

Saban said it is hiring new team members to run the distribution effort in Southeast Asia and Eastern Europe.

“The content distribution business is changing and evolving faster than ever before,” said Elie Dekel, president of Saban Brands (pictured). “We are embracing this new dynamic marketplace by growing our content and talent to lead in this space.”