Former Buena Vista Film Sales (BVFS) vice president Michael Dragotto is re-uniting with his erstwhile boss Jere Hausfater at sales, financing and production entity Intermedia.

Dragotto takes up the newly-created position of executive vice-president, motion picture group, worldwide distribution. He will report to Jere Hausfater, who previously headed BVFS.

The appointment comes as Intermedia is beefing up its Los Angeles operation as its increases its focus on studio-level fare following a flotation in May in Germany. Intermedia last week confirmed that about 15 staff in its London office would be axed early next year so that it could replace them with staff in the US.

Tim Haslam, previously London-based president of distribution, is expected to take a consultant role.

Dragotto worked as senior vice president of sales at ABC prior to his vice-presidency at the now defunct BVFS. At ABC, he supervised the integration of the broadcaster's distribution activity into the Walt Disney Company.

Hausfater said that Dragotto's "exceptional expertise in worldwide video and TV licensing will be an invaluable asset in further developing our rapidly expanding worldwide sales and distribution operation."