Sony Pictures Television International (SPTI) has announced the promotion of John McMahon to senior executive vice president, managing director for its European operations.

A 12-year veteran of SPTI - a Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) company - McMahon took charge of its European activities in 1998. Since then he has expanded the company's core businesses - distribution, sales and networks operations - in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Among other achievements he has overseen the launch of Cinenova - the premium pay movie service - in Holland and Belgium and the sale of SPE's highest grossing feature film slate to European pay and free TV clients.

In addition to continuing the company's growth, McMahon will be coordinating European television activities with those of other Sony divisions, including Sony Electronics and Sony PlayStation.