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Sonar promotes Ellender to CEO

LA-based Sonar Entertainment has promoted David Ellender to CEO to replace Tom Lesinski, who is stepping down from the position and joining the company’s board.

David Ellender

Ellender has been president of global distribution and coproductions at the producer and distributor since 2016. He has led worldwide programme sales for the studio across traditional and digital media platforms, shopping series such as Taboo, starring Tom Hardy, and The Son, starring Pierce Brosnan.

Ellender has also overseen the company’s expansion into Europe, Asia and Latin America and built Sonar’s international coproduction drama initiatives, adding shows including Das Boot and Les Norton to the company’s slate.

Prior to joining Sonar, he served as CEO and board member for Slingshot Global Media, an independent television studio he founded in January 2014.

Earlier in his career, Ellender was CEO of FremantleMedia Enterprises and served on the board of directors of FremantleMedia Group, now known as Fremantle. He joined the company as MD in 2001 and was promoted to CEO in 2006.

Sonar is currently making The Hunt for Amazon Prime Video and recently wrapped production on season three of Mr Mercedes for AT&T Audience Network. It is also behind Utopia Falls for Canada’s CBC Gem.

Tom Lesinski


Lesinski said he would be moving on to a new opportunity in the coming weeks, having spent the last five years at the independent TV production company, where he will now be a board member.

Series under Lesinski’s tenure include Taboo, The Shannara Chronicles, The Son, Mr Mercedes, Das Boot, The Hunt, Lorena and Weird City. Lesinski also expanded the firm’s portfolio with family and factual content through the acquisition of Toronto-based Tricon Films & Television.

Senior execs reporting to Ellender include Scott Packman, senior executive VP, chief strategy officer, general counsel and head of business affairs; Matt Loze, executive VP, development and production; Chan Park, senior VP, finance; and Andrea Gorfolova, president, family and factual entertainment. The company claims to have invested more than US$370m to television production since its inception in 2012.

“David’s promotion to CEO is a testament to the transformative spirit he’s brought to Sonar and represents our belief in his ability to continue to evolve our company,” said Gabriel de Alba, chairman of Sonar Entertainment. “He has tremendous experience and understanding of the nuances and opportunities specific to the independent studio model.”

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