Kevin Grayson has joined Robert Simonds’ new film and television studio as president of domestic distribution for the motion picture group.

Grayson will arrive at STX Entertainment at the end of the month from Universal Pictures, where he served as svp of distribution and assistant general sales manager.

Simonds is the long-time Adam Sandler producer who has teamed up with private equity venture TPG and Shanghai-based Hony Capital to produce films in the $40m range. He recently hired Oren Aviv as preisdent and chief content officer.

According to reports the untitled venture reportedly will plough more than $1bn into 10 star-driven features over the next five years.

Former Viacom COO Thomas McGrath, former Crest Animation Noah Fogelson and Sophie Watts round out the initial senior executive team.

“Like the other extraordinary executives we are recruiting to lead our key divisions, we went after the best and brightest distribution leader in the business and we could not be more proud to welcome Kevin to our growing company,” said Simonds.