Jason Wells joins Sony Pictures Television International (SPTI) as its new svp, mobile entertainment. Wells will relocate from Los Angeles to SPTI's European headquarters in London and will lead the newly formed mobile entertainment group. He will report to both Michael Grindon, SPTI's president, and John McMahon, president/md of SPTI in Europe.
"Many new distribution venues are now available for Sony's feature films and television content," said Grindon. "As our television and home entertainment clients look to expand distribution beyond traditional venues we look forward to helping them find new ways to reach and serve their customers. Regarding the mobile marketplace, Jason Wells has a great deal of experience and expertise in the mobile entertainment market and we are very fortunate that he has agreed to manage our growing business in this sector."
Wells will lead an international group within SPTI dedicated to extending Sony Pictures Ent.'s (SPE) theatrical and TV assets, as well as its range of custom-made mobile content, into mobile distribution outside the U.S. With product such as the SPIDER-MAN 2 feature film, the award-winning RATCHET AND CLANK GOING MOBILE game adaptation from the popular Sony PlayStation franchise and the DA VINCI CODE mobile content, SPTI will be the international distribution and marketing arm for SPE's portfolio of mobile content, including mobile games, tones, images, video and text programs. As mobile TV adoption grows, SPTI's mobile entertainment group will work alongside SPTI's licensing, international networks and production business lines to roll out programming and new initiatives for mobile operators that draw upon the strengths of all of these businesses.
Wells has years of experience in business development, management consulting and business launch strategy. Most recently he was vp of business development for Handango, where he directed the content and distribution business units. Prior to Handango, Wells was founder/president of Globient Corp., where he opened new channels in Europe, Asia and Latin America for technology companies. As a former management consultant with AT Kearney, Wells worked with telecommunications giants such as Sprint and Telstra to launch and grow new businesses.
He has worked extensively throughout Europe, Asia and Latin America in channel development, marketing and strategy roles. His professional experience includes a tenure at Marriott International where he was instrumental in establishing new ventures.
"SPTI has established itself as a leader in the international television distribution, production and networks business over the past 10 years," said McMahon. "The appointment of Jason Wells to head up our newly formed mobile entertainment group is indicative of our belief that the mobile business is poised for substantial growth in the coming years. He brings a wealth of experience in this sector and I look forward to working with him here in London."
Sony Pictures Television International (SPTI) operates three complementary lines of business: 1) distribution of Sony Pictures Entertainment's feature films and television programming to television outlets around the world, 2) local television production in key international markets, and 3) international television networks. In addition to being a leader in the distribution of current and classic U.S. and international films and television product worldwide, SPTI produces high profile, locally produced television in local languages. With dedicated offices in France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Miami (Latin America), the People's Republic of China, Russia, Spain and the U.K.; SPTI oversees production in nine regions. SPTI's worldwide television networks portfolio is a key strategy in the company's long-range commitment to the global marketplace, with approximately 40 networks in more than 100 countries reaching some 240 million viewers worldwide. SPTI is a Sony Pictures Ent. company.
