Culver City Observer -

Sony Entertainment CEO Michael Lynton has named Sanford Panitch as President of International Film & Television.

Panitch comes to SPE after serving as president of Fox International Productions, a division of 20th Century Fox.

"Sanford is a talented and strategic senior executive with an exceptional career working with a wide range of international productions and talent," said Lynton. "There is tremendous growth potential in the international and local language markets, and we are thrilled to have someone with Sanford's experience join our team."

As President of International Film & Television Panitch will report directly to Lynton. He will oversee global film and television co-productions as well as local language film and television productions.

In international television he will coordinate with Andrea Wong, President of International Production, Sony Pictures Television, who will continue with all her responsibilities supervising international television production.

"I'm honored to join the SPE team at this pivotal moment in the studio's history," said Panitch. "I am eternally grateful for my years at Fox working with Jim and all my long time colleagues.

"This new role comes at a time of unprecedented change in the international marketplace especially in television; it's a wonderful and unique opportunity to work with Steve Mosko, his outstanding organization and again with my friend Tom Rothman."

Panitch joins SPE following a successful tenure at Fox. As the founding president of Fox International Productions he oversaw all local production activities in 12 territories around the globe in Latin America, Europe, India and China.

Fox International Productions is considered the most successful international film production division in the industry grossing more than $900M in global box office since its inception six years ago. Before establishing the division Panitch served as President of Filmed Entertainment at New Regency and Executive Vice President of Production at 20th Century Fox.

Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Entertainment Inc., a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production, acquisition and distribution; television production, acquisition and distribution; television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; and development of new entertainment products, services and technologies. For additional information, go to http://www.sonypictures.com.