Global online content marketplace Vuulr has tapped Thomas Hughes as its CEO Americas, while also announcing the opening of its office in Los Angeles.

This will be Singapore-based Vuulr’s first U.S. office, which Hughes will spearhead with a focus on building a local team to serve Hollywood and content creators and owners throughout North and Latin America.

During his nearly nine-year stint at Lionsgate as EVP of worldwide digital distribution, Hughes built and operated the entity’s digital distribution efforts. Previously, he worked at MGM where he was responsible for worldwide digital media.

“This is a match made in heaven. Having worked inside the four walls of two Hollywood studios during the past 12-plus years, I’ve experienced first-hand the friction surrounding content transactions of all shapes and sizes,” Hughes said in a statement. “Vuulr solves huge pain-points for the industry. From the buy-side on Vuulr, acquisition teams are sourcing and acquiring content, globally…faster and easier than ever before. Plus, content owners are monetizing catalogs with no up-front fees…which is a unique proposition. I passionately believe Vuulr offers unmatched efficiency and value surrounding content distribution.”

Vuulr launched globally in January 2020 and has already become a leading online B2B film and TV content marketplace featuring premiums film and TV content from the likes of Sony, Televisa, and Viacom 18 among others. Buyers include companies such as BBC, The Walt Disney Company and many more.

Hughes reports to Ian Mckee, Vuulr founder and CEO.