Sony Pictures Television (SPT) has hired Richard Parsons as senior vice president for corporate business and legal affairs, international production, effective later this month.

Formerly a consultant for British media legal practice Wiggin LLP and chief counsel for Shine Group, he will lead corporate business affairs for SPT’s international production companies; manage acquisition deals, joint ventures and strategic partnerships; and act as adviser to the president and senior management.

“Richard has an impressive track record of executing successful joint ventures and acquisitions on behalf of high profile companies in the global television sector,” Corii Berg, SPT’s senior EVP, business affairs, said in a statement.  “He brings highly valued expertise, an eye for detail and international knowledge that will support our successful portfolio of 18 production companies and joint ventures around the world, as well as future growth initiatives.”

Prior to his time at Shine, Parsons was director of corporate finance and legal affairs at BBC Worldwide where he helped set up the content and production division and established joint ventures and wholly owned prodcos globally.

He will be based in the company’s London office.