Pye formerly held top creative posts with Granada Content, BBC Production and BBC Television. In his new position, Pye will be working with both the international and domestic production units on the identification, development and implementation of game show and light entertainment formats for the worldwide marketplace.

The London based Pye will be responsible for identifying and acquiring formats that SPTI's production group will launch through its international operations. In addition, Pye will work closely with SPT on identifying comedy and drama formats for production for broadcast and cable outlets in the US.

SPTI Europe's senior VP and MD John McMahon added, "It gives me great pleasure to welcome such a respected and accomplished producer as Chris Pye to our production team. His arrival coincides with Sony's plan to rapidly increase our development and production of light entertainment series, with our customers around the world. Chris' substantial and varied experience will be a significant asset as we look to expand our format offerings to our clients around the world."

Pye spent most of the 1990s working in executive production positions at the BBC Production, BBC Television, Anglia Television Entertainment and Scottish Television. Pye also spent over 13 years in the US, producing some of the biggest hits in television. He worked as a writer, producer and executive producer for the four major broadcast networks NBC, ABC, CBS and Fox.