Sony builds out sales team with Econet hire

Sony Pictures Television (SPT) has hired Econet Media’s Kunle Falodun (pictured) as VP of distribution for Africa.

Falodun began his new role in July, working out of SPT’s London office and reporting to senior VP of UK, Africa, Ireland and Iberia Mark Young.

Prior to Sony, Falodun was head of business development at African broadcaster Econet, overseeing distribution of premium sports content through free-to-air network Kwese TV across sub-Saharan Africa.

He was a key part of developing and establishing a commercial model for Kwese Free Sports Channel.

Having moved to the UK from Nigeria in 2004, he has also worked for Optima Sports Management International (OSMI), where he ultimately became managing director of OSMI UK.

“Kunle has extensive knowledge of the African media landscape and has unrivalled experience across all areas of the business – including content, distribution, local production, marketing and acquisition. As we continue to ramp up our efforts across the continent, no-one is better placed than Kunle to spearhead our development in this region.”

In May, SPT hired long-serving Mediaset buyer Zelda Stewart as VP of distribution for Italy.

Today’s news comes soon after Apple poached SPT’s co-presidents Jamie Erlicht and Zack Van Amburg to lead its push into original programming.