In the last year or two, there”s been a significant trend towards US TV studio executives being relocated to London to head international divisions. NBC Universal set the pace, but now Sony Pictures Television has gone the same way, announcing the appointment of Andrea Wong as President of international production for SPT and as president of international for Sony Pictures Entertainment.

Wong is a genuine heavy-hitter (not just an exec who has been sent to the UK to get her out of the way). Previously, she served as president and CEO of Lifetime Networks in the US. And prior to that, she was executive VP, alternative programming, specials and late night at ABC where she developed shows such as the US version of Dancing With the Stars and Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. 

In her new position, Wong will head the studio”s international television production business, overseeing the creative teams outside the U.S. as well as the fifteen owned and joint venture international production companies around the world.  In this role, Wong will report to SPT president Steve Mosko who said: “Andrea”s business acumen and role in developing successful unscripted programming make her a perfect fit for SPT. I”ve watched Andrea succeed in a variety of roles over the years, and it”s great to have her leading a key part of our international TV business.”

Wong, who replaces Kees Abrahams, added: “There has never been a better time to be globally focused and I look forward to collaborating with Sony’;s strong creative team to produce great shows.”