MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Television International (SPTI) has promoted Janet Tsai Dargan to senior vice president, business development. The announcement was made by SPTI senior vice president and chief financial officer Christoph Pachler.

“Janet’s keen sense to identify and exploit strategic business opportunities has been integral to the rapid growth of Sony Pictures Television International in recent years. Her contributions to SPTI’s channels strategies in India and Russia, as well as our recent offer to acquire 2waytraffic, the European entertainment company, have made her a key player in the expansion of our business,” said Pachler.

Sony Pictures Entertainment executive vice president, corporate development John Calkins added, "In her role at SPTI, Janet brings an energy and strategic perspective to the overall Sony Pictures business development team that is highly valued. Over the last three years she has been playing an ever more important role in some of the studio’s most important transactions."

Based at SPTI’s headquarters in Culver City, California, Dargan is in charge of strategic planning and new business initiatives for SPTI’s three business lines: distribution, international networks and international production. Her primary focus is on identifying new opportunities to expand SPTI’s international networks portfolio, including the launches of new networks and acquisition of existing channels, as well as the acquisition of local production companies worldwide. She also oversees business development teams in Los Angeles, London and Hong Kong.

Dargan joined SPTI in 2005 from Candle Corporation where she was assistant vice president, financial and strategic planning. Prior to that, she served as vice president, business planning and analysis for Universal Studios’ recreation group. She joined Universal from Paramount Pictures where she was vice president, business planning and development, home entertainment, and before that, executive director, corporate planning. All were based in Los Angeles.