Newen Connect, the distribution subsidiary of the French television channel controlled by TF1 Newen Group (Versailles), has hired Phil Sequeira, a former Mercury Studios and BBC Studios executive, to lead its burgeoning UK and North American sales operations as Senior Vice President of Distribution.
“This appointment supports Newen’s growth ambitions, which sees the European retailer focus on English-speaking markets,” the company said on Monday.
Reporting to Newen Connect’s Executive Vice President of Distribution, Leona Connell, Sequeira will be responsible for “designing and implementing sales strategies for the UK and North America to help drive sales of new titles, as well as Newen Connect’s current multi-genre catalog of over 6,000 hours.” It will also “explore and manage co-production opportunities” with broadcasters and platforms and “seek new opportunities to growth with existing and new market entrants”.
Connell said: “While there has never been a better time to sell European content to the English-speaking market, we also recognize that English-language content has broad international appeal, so it’s only natural that this is at the center of the next phase of Newen Connect’s ambitious growth plans.Phil’s extensive experience and track record in sales and co-productions in the UK and North America makes him the ideal candidate to take on this important role.
Sequeira added: “The breadth and quality of existing programming in the catalog, along with our exciting list of upcoming European and English-language productions, puts Newen Connect in a formidable position to meet the needs of so many broadcasters and platforms.”
Sequeira was previously senior vice president of sales, distribution and marketing at Mercury Studios, where he “led the music production company’s global sales, marketing and distribution strategies across all territories, media and platforms. “, Newen said. “Before that, he was Vice President of Sales and Scripted Co-Productions for BBC Studios, based in New York and Los Angeles, securing major deals with Amazon Prime for Steve McQueen’s award-winning anthology series. small ax and Stephen Merchant The Outlaws; AMC for Ben Whishaw-directed comedy-drama This will hurtas well as HBO, Netflix, Disney+ and Showtime.
He has also held senior sales positions at ITV Studios Global Entertainment and BBC Worldwide, looking after Western European territories including Benelux, Nordics and German-speaking markets.
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