Entertainment One (eOne) has hired Joey Sabella as director of U.S. sales.

In his new role, Sabella will manage eOne Television International’s relationships with the U.S. He will work to place the existing eOne catalogue into the U.S. market, secure factual presales and source coproduction opportunities, Prentiss Fraser, SVP worldwide sales and acquisitions, eOne, told Playback.

Sabella will be based out of eOne’s Los Angeles office, and will report directly to Fraser.

Previously, Sabella was with GRB Entertainment and Uppercut Pictures as senior director of international sales and acquisitions.

In his previous roles with both companies, Sabella developed acquisition and marketing strategies and was responsible for increasing sales in international territories.

Sabella’s previous experience in international markets and his connections in Los Angeles made him particularly well suited for the position, Fraser noted.

“We looked long and hard for somebody like Joey,” Fraser said.

Sabella is attending this year’s NATPE on behalf of eOne.