Tanner upped as Thomas exits Passion

Nick Tanner has been named head of sales at UK-based distributor Passion, replacing the outgoing Elin Thomas.

The latter was named global head of sales at the Tinopolis-owned distribution house in 2014 and was promoted global director of sales a year later, but is leaving for a new senior role at a currently-undisclosed company.

Thomas (pictured below) had previously been head director of global formats at BBC Worldwide, but left in a restructuring.

Her replacement, Tanner (left), is currently senior sales manager, and has been with London-based Passion since its merger with Mentorn International in 2012. He has also worked at Hat Trick International.

In his new post, he’ll oversee the company sales strategy, and push digital strategy. He will also keep key accounts of pan-regional networks, and in Australia and New Zealand.

A subsequent restructure will see Passion looking to hire a digital sales manager, who will also handle programme sales to US and UK broadcasters across all platforms.

Passion CEO Emmanuelle Namiech said Thomas had “made a tremendous contribution to Passion Distribution”, adding: “I have no doubt she will do well in her next role and wish her great success.

“I am delighted that Nick will be stepping up to head up the sales team,” said Namiech. “He brings a wealth of market knowledge, is passionate about content and has an excellent track record of building successful and mutually beneficial broadcaster relationships.”

Thomas said she had confidence Tanner was “the right person to take over at the helm of the sales team”, while he said he looked forwards to “advancing Passion Distribution’s strategy for growth, developing the sales team and tapping into new revenue streams”.

“It’s been an absolute pleasure to work with Elin Thomas and I am thrilled to be stepping into the role at this exciting time for the company,” he added.

Tanner recently expanded the key Make You Laugh Out Loud franchise in Asia Pacific, and worked with GroupM Entertainment APAC to take Robot Wars into Asia as a format.