Blue Ant rejigs distribution arm with hire of ViacomCBS exec

Maria Ibarra

Canadian distribution group Blue Ant International has rejigged its global sales arm with the appointment of ViacomCBS exec Maria Ibarra.

Miami-based Maria Ibarra becomes VP of international sales, with a focus on US Hispanic, Latin America and Iberia, reporting to Blue Ant’s EVP Solange Attwood.

Ibarra will be responsible for overseeing pre-sales and content licensing across those territories.

The company has also promoted Nick Solowski to senior director of international sales and acquisitions for Canada, Asia-Pacific and ancillary rights, while Fleur Wheatley has been upped to director, international sales and acquisitions, overseeing Benelux, Scandinavia, the Middle East, Africa, Greece and Israel.

Lat Am focus

Ibarra arrives at the company with two decades of experience in international television distribution, programming, production and business development.

She has held multiple roles at Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN), most recently as director of international program sales for Latin America and Canada, where she was responsible for multiplatform deals including SVOD, pay-TV, free TV, co-productions, pre-buys and format sales throughout Latin America and Canada.

“Maria brings an impressive track record in international distribution, strategic partnerships and strong relationships which will be invaluable for growing our reach in those markets,” said Attwood. “I’m also thrilled to announce promotions for both Nick Solowski and Fleur Wheatley as they continue to build robust relationships with key commissioners and buying executives in their respective regions”

Ibarra added: “I’m looking forward to combining my knowledge and experience with the momentum and success Blue Ant has gained in our rapidly evolving media landscape.”