Shaw to replace Holland at Agatha Christie firm

RLJ Entertainment, which owns rights to the Agatha Christie brand, has hired ex-Miramax exec Stuart Shaw to replace Paul Holland as managing director of its international division.

RLJE owns 64% of Agatha Christie Limited, which includes the Poirot (pictured) and Miss Marple TV brands; plus the Foyle’s War franchise, British TV producer and distributor Acorn Media; and stand-up comedy unit Image among other assets. It will welcome Shaw as MD of London-based RLJE International on September 1.

He will be responsible for international licensing and programme distribution, and report into RLJE CEO Miguel Penella. RLJE International shares its base with sister firm Acorn Productions, the production division behind the Christie TV series and Foyle’s War.

Shaw replaces industry veteran Holland, who is to take “some time off before deciding on his next venture”, according to RLJE.

Furthermore, Shaw will also take control of RLJE Australia and concurrently RLJE’s distribution business outside of North America on January 15, 2014, after current incumbent Lesley Fromant retires.

Fromant launched both the Acorn Media UK business and RLJE Australia, originally as Acorn Media Australia.

Shaw was most recently director of international sales and marketing at Miramax’s London office. Prior to that, he worked at Paramount Pictures as commercial director, and has also worked for Universal Pictures and BBC Worldwide.

“Lesley and Paul have been instrumental in growing RLJ Entertainment internationally, and we are excited to have Stuart continue to build on their work,” said Penella.

“Stuart’s expertise and relationships in the digital and international areas will be key in growing the RLJE International business. Stuart has an outstanding reputation as an experienced, driven, and energetic senior executive and is an ideal fit with our corporate culture.”