Sam Toles Joins MGM Studios for Bigger Digital Push

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer  Studios has hired Sam Toles to the new post of SVP, digital and new platforms, where he’ll head up efforts around digital native and short-form content development and distribution.

Toles will report to Kevin Conroy, MGM’s president, digital & new platforms and will be based in Los Angeles.  Toles will also be tasked with using MGM’s existing intellectual property and creating new IP, working with theatrical, scripted, unscripted and distribution teams, that can be offered on new digital platforms.

Toles most recently was SVP/GM of Vimeo’s Entertainment Group, where he helped with the launch of Vimeo’s first slate of original programming including HBO’sHigh Maintenance, the Emmy-nominatedGarfunkel and Oats: Trying to be Specialand the Oscar-nominated animated shortPear Cider and Cigarettes

Toles’ career started in theatrical marketing at New Line Cinema and Warner Brothers, followed by home entertainment marketing roles at Paramount Pictures and Rhino. He then joined Fremantle Media as VP of business development, overseeing media licensing for their extensive stable brands includingAmerican Idol,America’s Got TalentandThe Price Is Right. Toles also served as VP of content strategy for Gaiam, which distributes a digital SVOD service.

“Sam’s experience in digital media will accelerate our efforts in developing and creating compelling new content for today’s digital platforms, and will help to shape our company’s strategy as new platforms emerge,” said Conroy, in a statement.

“I am so glad we could attract Sam to join MGM. He is an innovative thinker and has his finger on the pulse of what’s next. We’re all about what’s next,” added Mark Burnett, MGM’s president, television group & digital.