Indie distributor Tricon Films & Television is bolstering its Los Angeles office by tapping Boyd McDonnell to oversee a move into U.S. syndication.

The former Bellum Entertainment and Sony Pictures Television exec will fill the newly created post of SVP programming.

Reporting to Tricon president Andrea Gorfolova, McDonnell will work with the international distribution group to forge partnerships and develop new content for U.S. syndication.

McDonnell earlier served as VP programming and distribution for Bellum Entertainment, where he oversaw syndication and cable sales.

He also previously served as director of west coast distribution with Sony Pictures Television, selling the studio’s TV series and film packages, including Seinfeld, King of Queens and Ricki Lake, to U.S. broadcast stations.