Stern’s sales firm hires Electus exec

IM Global’s television division has hired Electus International senior VP Eli Shibley as president, international distribution and coproductions.

Shibley is joining US-based IM Global to oversee its scripted television slate, third-party scripted acquisitions and unscripted projects from the US, UK and international partners.

At Electus, he was SVP, international media and formats, where he sourced formats such as Colombian comedy-drama Jane the Virgin, which was remade for US broadcast network The CW.

His hire comes after IM Global hired former Syfy president Mark Stern to become its television president, as part of a move to create strategic partnerships and international coproductions.

Shibley will work closely with Stern and IM Global founder Stuart Ford to expand TV activities. IMG Global TV currently has a slate of projects including Kurt Vonnegut’s Cat’s Cradle and Kevin Spacey-produced crime drama Den of Thieves.

“Eli is an outstanding distribution executive and his arrival is a major coup for our TV distribution business,” said Ford. “I envision scripted and unscripted TV sales becoming a substantial component of our already extensive global licensing platform in the next few years.”

Before Electus, Shibley worked at Shine International and was a founder executive of that firm’s predecessor, Reveille International.