Another top Vimeo executive is moving on. Ten months after Kerry Trainor abdicated his position as the online video platform’s CEO, former Vimeo Entertainment Group SVP & GM Sam Toles has been hired by MGM, where he will serve as SVP of digital and new platforms.
At MGM, Toles will work for a studio that has shown an eagerness the bring its intellectual property to innovative digital platforms. The Beverly Hills-based media company recently struck a deal to produce content for Snapchat’s Discover section and joined forces with user-generated clip network Jukin Media for a multi-series contract. It has also formed a close relationship with the interactive video platform Eko (formerly Interlude), in which it invested back in 2015.
The new gig marks a return to the film industry for Toles, who has previous experience at Paramount Pictures, Warner Bros, and New Line Cinema. “Sam’s experience in digital media will accelerate our efforts in developing and creating compelling new content for today’s digital platforms,” said MGM president of digital and new platforms Kevin Conroy in a statement, “and will help to shape our company’s strategy as new platforms emerge.”
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At Vimeo, Toles played a key role in the formulation of an original content lineup. He served as the video site’s head of global content acquisitions and distribution back when its programming lineup through the production and distribution of shows like High Maintenance. In 2015, he ascended to a more prominent role at the company after executive Greg Clayman opted to depart.
MGM distributes about a half-dozen feature films per year. Its best-known franchise is James Bond, which it has brought to theaters since its 1981 acquisition of United Artists.
