Michael Grindon, the longtime head of international TV for Sony Pictures Entertainment, is stepping down after nearly a quarter-century at the studio.
The move comes a year after Sony’s global TV efforts were folded into Sony Pictures Television, and thus SPT president Steve Mosko. Grindon will exit next month, the studio said.
Here’s the release:
Sony Pictures Entertainment announced today that Michael Grindon, President, International, Sony Pictures Television (SPT), will be leaving the company in March.
"After 24 years managing the international television business for SPE, I believe that it is time for a change," said Grindon. "We are finishing this year with strong growth, an experienced, talented management team in place and a clear vision for future success. Now is the right moment for me to move on to the next challenge."
Sony Pictures’ international television business has undergone tremendous growth since 1986, when Grindon joined the company. Today, SPT has 122 television channel feeds in 140 countries reaching 435 million households, and has local language television production operations in 20 territories that have produced over 9,000 hours of programming. Sony Pictures also owns formats which are licensed in 67 countries.
"I am grateful to Michael for his many contributions to Sony Pictures Television," said Steve Mosko, President of SPT. "He has built a terrific team of international executives who will ensure continued strong business performance in the future."
"Michael created our international television business from the ground up," said Michael Lynton, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures. "In recent years, under the leadership of Michael and his team, we’ve seen steady growth in international television, which has been particularly significant to the entire studio."
"It has been a pleasure to know and work with Michael for more than two decades," said Amy Pascal, Co-Chairman of Sony Pictures. "We’re proud of all he has accomplished for our company, and wish him every success in the future."
Grindon joined the company in 1986 and served in several executive positions in the international group before being named president of Sony Pictures International Television (SPTI) in 1995. SPTI was united with SPT last March. Previously, Grindon spent six years at HBO where he was director of national accounts. Prior to HBO, Grindon served as a marketing analyst in the consumer video division of Time Life Films and as a systems analyst for Bechtel Corporation.
