Bingham Exits Col Tristar Int'l

Nicholas Bingham is resigning as president, international, Sony Television Entertainment and managing director, Europe, Columbia TriStar International Television to pursue other interests.

The announcement came Thursday from Bingham and Columbia TriStar International Television president Michael Grindon.

"I've had a wonderful 12 years with this company," said Bingham, who took charge of Sony Television Entertainment's international development in 1995. "Working closely with Michael Grindon, we've expanded our activities enormously. In 1985, we were simply a distributor of U.S. programs. Today, the business has evolved dramatically. Along with becoming a significant producer of local programs throughout Europe and Asia, Columbia TriStar has set up or invested in more than 15 channel ventures globally."

Most recently, Sony Pictures Entertainment launched AXN, an Asian action and adventure satellite channel (HR 8/21). In addition, the company operates SET Latin America, SET Brazil and SET India and has a stake in such ventures as HBO Ole, Germany's Viva music channels, HBO Asia and TV1 in Australia.

Sources said Sony Television Entertainment is expected to look for someone to assume Bingham's duties, but it is uncertain whether the new executive will take on Bingham's title.

Bingham joined Columbia Pictures' international television division in 1985 as vp European operations and was tapped to head the company's television ventures outside of the United States in 1988.

"Nick and I have worked together as a great team," Grindon said. "While we are sorry to lose an executive of his stature, we respect his decision and wish him only the best in his future pursuits."