A+E sales chief stepping down

Joel Denton

Joel Denton is stepping down from his role running A+E Networks’ international sales unit.

The former RHI Entertainment, Red Arrow Entertainment and Rare TV exec had been in charge of international sales for three years as managing director, content sales and partnerships.

“After three very successful years growing the content sales and partnerships group at A+E Networks, Joel Denton is moving on to new opportunities,” A+E said in a statement.

“Joel will continue to work with Patrick Vien, executive managing director, international, and the entire global sales team though a transition period until his departure this summer.”

Denton joined the company in 2014 to manage content distribution and format licensing activities outside the US, as TBI revealed at the time. During the proceeding years, he worked with A+E’s regional MDs in London and Singapore, and sales teams those cities, plus New York, Los Angeles and Miami, London and Singapore, to build out the business into a significant international sales house.

Former Pulse Films and NBCUniversal manager Vien and ex-Discovery Channel and TLC COO Edward Sabin were made joint exec MDs, international in January. Cohan remains in charge of the international A+E business overall.

A+E was in Cannes at MIPTV last week selling formats such as The Pop Game and new scripted shows including Jeremy Renner’s Knightfall. He also oversaw distribution of big ticket titles such as Roots, Unreal and Six.

“It has been a privilege to work with so many smart and good people at A+E,” said Denton. “I am grateful to Sean Cohan for giving me the opportunity to lead the sales group over the past few years and I wish Patrick Vien the best success going forward.”