Fremantle hires NBCU sales director

FremantleMedia International has brought in NBCUniversal International sales director Nick Pawsey, TBI has learned.

Pawsey has been hired as VP of sales and distribution, reporting to executive VP and head sales and distribution for EMEA Jamie Lynn.

He will oversee FMI’s sales operation across Central and Eastern Europe, Russia and the CIS region, and is charged with maximising the firm’s content opportunities across all broadcasters and platform partners.

FMI is the finished programming sales arm of American Gods and X Factor firm FremantleMedia, which is based in London.

His hire comes as CEE-focused market and conference NATPE Europe kicks off today in Budapest, Hungary. Pawsey is at the market representing FMI.

At NBCU International Television, Pawsey was director of sales, strategy and development in Europe.

That role gave him commercial strategy and development responsibilities for NBCU channels Syfy, 13^th Street, Universal Channel and E!, and film and TV series distribution businesses.

He also held posts as Planet TV in Slovenia, Prva TV in Serbia, Wall to Wall and its parent Warner Bros. International Television, and Ardent International Sales.

“Nick is a rare executive with broad mix of experience across sales, strategy and acquisitions, as well as strong local knowledge in specific CEE regions,” said Lynn in a statement to TBI.

“As FMI look to further capitalise on opportunities in these increasingly important and evolving territories, Nick is an ideal candidate. He has demonstrated a strong track record in structuring deals, while bringing a fresh perspective that is vital to an ever complex distribution business. A perfect addition to the FMI team.”

Pawsey said FMI was “a company that I’ve admired for a long time and with an impressive slate, their continued push into impressive new dramas and season renewals for the globally acclaimed titles such as American Gods and The New Pope, it’s a very exciting time to join”.