Alexei Boltho, who is currently business development manager for BBC Films, will take on a newly created acquisitions post at Paramount Pictures International (PPI).

As of Aug 20, Boltho will be PPI's Director Co-production and Acquisitions, working out of Paramount 's London headquarters, which will in September move from Hammersmith to Chiswick.

Boltho will report to Los Angeles-based executive Ellen Pittleman, who leads PPI's new push for local acqusitions and productions. PPI president Andrew Cripps said that Boltho would have an acquisitions team working with him in London.

Paramount Pictures International was launched in January after the restructuring of Paramount and Universal's international joint venture UIP. Brad Grey said at the PPI launch that the company would be making 'an aggressive launch into regional production and local acquisitions.'

The company has picked up a number of high-profile titles so far, English-language fare including Kenneth Branagh's Sleuth, Robert Weide's How To Lose Friends and Alienate People. PPI also has a first-look deal with UK-based producer MTV Films Europe.