Michael Thornton, most recently executive vice president for Disney/ABC Domestic Television business and legal affairs, was today named executive vice president of Starz Entertainment’s business and legal affairs.
Thornton will be based at the company’s Englewood headquarters where he will be responsible for developing strategy for acquisition of programming content for Starz Entertainment linear channels, on-demand, and on-line services.
Prior to working for Disney/ABC, Thornton was senior vice president for programming acquisitions for DIRECTV where he led programming strategy.
Steve Beabout, executive vice president for Starz Entertainment, described Thornton as as a “talented executive with a keen legal mind.”
“Michael has done business with Starz in his several previous endeavors and his counterparts were impressed consistently with his business acumen and ability to strike mutually beneficial business relationships,” said Beabout.
Thornton said he was joining Starz during an “exciting time” in the company’s history and the move gives him the opportunity to return to Colorado.Howard Pankratz: 303-954-1939 or hpankratz@denverpost.com.
