Antonio Salas joins eOne International

Former Focus Features International and Bankside Films executive Antonio Salas is to join eOne as vp of international sales from April 1, 2014.

The newly created role will see Salas based in eOne’s expanding London office, working closely with new eOne sales president Harold van Lier and reporting to svp of international sales Charlotte van Weede.

The move, which had been speculated since late last year within industry circles, is the latest signal of intent from eOne’s sales division, which recently announced a $100m acquisition fund.

The London unit has also been recently bolstered by the arrivals of Cassandra Carias, head of business affairs, and Tim Bailey, head of finance.

Both Carias and Bailey jointly report to van Lier and Xavier Marchand, who oversees eOne’s film production.

Prior to joining eOne Salas served as director, international sales at Focus Features International, where he worked on titles including Woody Allen’s Blue Jasmine, Kill the Messenger starring Jeremy Renner and Black Sea starring Jude Law.

Before that Salas was sales executive at London-based Bankside Films and also worked at Beyond Films.

“It’s an incredibly exciting time for the group and we’re thrilled to welcome Antonio to the team,” read a statement from eOne.

“He’s a savvy executive who brings great relationships and experience to eOne and he will be a fantastic asset as our division focuses on securing stronger commercial films to distribute directly in our key territories and deliver to our partners worldwide.”

The London growth comes amid restructure in eOne’s Canadian film sales group, which last month saw the departure of sales veteran Charlotte Mickie and the launch of division Séville International.