Sony Pictures Home Entertainment (SPHE) has appointed John McMahon as managing director, Europe, as the company moves ahead with its regional development plans.

McMahon has belonged to the Sony Pictures fold since 1990 and will report to SPHE’s executive vice-president of international Matt Brown. He is based in London.

The incoming executive will oversee SPHE’s European division and assumes responsibility for its DVD, Blu-ray and growing digital businesses.

He will also serve as the liaison for all European home entertainment activities with other Sony divisions, including Sony Electronics, PlayStation, Sony Ericsson and Sony Music Entertainment.

“John brings to SPHE a strong reputation as a strategic thinker, a fresh perspective and an in-depth understanding of the international market,” Brown said.” 

McMahon previously served as president and managing director, Europe, at Sony Pictures Television after a stint as Los Angeles-based vice-president of international legal affairs.

Prior to joining Sony McMahon was a corporate lawyer at Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker’s Los Angeles office.