AMC/Sundance Channel hires Latin American distribution chief

AMC/Sundance Channel Global has hired Gustavo Lopez as its VP, global distribution for Latin America, ahead of its launch in the region.

The VP of global distribution and business development for Latin America role is a new one and has been created ahead of the launch of Sundance Channel on DirecTV Latin America.

The DirecTV deal will give Sundance distribution across seven countries in Latin America: Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela.

Lopez will be based in Miami and will look for distribution deals with other pay TV operators in Latin America. He will also oversee marketing throughout the region and will report to Ed Palluth, executive vice-president, global distribution, AMC/Sundance Channel Global.

Prior to joining AMC/Sundance Channel Global, Lopez was vice president and regional Counsel for Discovery Communications and managed all of its legal and regulatory matters in Latin America and the US Hispanic market. Before joining Discovery he was senior director, legal affairs at HBO Latin America.