Newen Connect, the distribution arm of French television prodco Newen, has appointed former NBCUniversal executive Leona Connell as EVP of distribution.
Based between London and Paris, Connell (pictured) will be tasked with boosting the sales company’s fiction and non-fiction content catalog with global broadcasters and platforms. She will also support producers to enhance financial plans, to develop co-production partnerships and pre-sales.
She reports into Rodolphe Buet, chief distribution officer at Newen.
Most recently, Connell served as SVP of sales at NBCUniversal. Prior to this, she was director of global sales at Sky Vision, and director of sales and acquisitions at Parthenon Entertainment (acquired by Sky UK in 2012).
She began her career with ITEL (later acquired by the ITV group) and continued in 2004 with U.S.-based media and sports group IMG in the sales and acquisitions department.
Newen Connect – created as part of the newly formed partnership between Newen Distribution, TF1 Studio and Reel One Entertainment – serves as one of Europe’s distribution leaders with 5,500 hours of content sold in more than 130 territories.
Buet said in a statement: “I wish Leona Connell every success in this new mission. Her expertise in managing the sales teams and her efficiency in developing ambitious projects will enable Newen Connect to further strengthen its position as European distribution leader.”
