CEO | Sonar Entertainment
David Ellender, former President, Global Distribution and Co-Productions, has been newly promoted to CEO of leading independent entertainment studio Sonar Entertainment.
In his previous position, Ellender was responsible for all worldwide program sales for Sonar, including North America, across all traditional and digital media platforms. He oversaw the company’s expanding presence in Europe, Latin America, Asia and other key territories. He also play an active role in helping to expand Sonar’s existing international co-production drama initiatives through his established global network of industry relationships.
Ellender came to Sonar after serving as CEO and board member for Slingshot Global Media, an independent television studio he founded in 2014. Previously to Slingshot, Ellender was CEO of Fremantlemedia Enterprises (FME). Ellender was also on the board of directors for Fremantlemedia. Ellender joined Fremantle International Distribution as Managing Director in 2001, and was later named CEO of Fremantlemedia Enterprises in 2006. He remained in that position until leaving to launch Slingshot.
Ellender has also held senior positions with Universal Studios Television Distribution, where he was Managing Director, Europe, and at PolyGram Filmed Entertainment, where he served as President, PolyGram TV International.
MIA|Drama Advisory Board 2019