Stewart Till's Signpost Films has appointed Lynwood Spinks, formerly chief operating officer of the US' Industry Entertainment, as head of worldwide business affairs.

Spinks will be based in Los Angeles and takes up the position with immediate effect. He spent ten years at Carolco Pictures, where he ended his stint as chief operating officer. As executive vice president of MCA Motion Picture Group, he oversaw international operations and exhibition investments.

"I am truly delighted Lynwood has joined the senior management team," said Till, formerly head of Universal Pictures International and international chief of PolyGram Filmed Entertainment. "His expertise and experience are second to none."

Earlier this week, Till unveiled a first-look deal with Miramax Films for US distribution for films from Signpost. The ambitious start-up, backed by Canada's CDP, aims to become a worldwide production and distribution operation, with own-distribution in major international markets.

"I'm excited to be joining Stewart's team in building Signpost from the ground up," said Spinks. "The collective experience of the group and the solid capitalisation of the company will make Signpost an instant powerhouse in financing major films."