MUMBAI: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios (MGM) has named Cale Boyter as EVP of production. The announcement was made by MGM chairperson of the Worldwide Motion Picture Group Mary Parent.

The appointment represents a step in further building MGM in the theatrical business as the studio now focuses on assembling a team of executives with extensive backgrounds in development, production and talent relations. Boyter's appointment marks the first senior hire of Parent, who joined MGM a week ago and is aggressively implementing a new strategy.

A veteran at New Line for the last 10 years, Boyter recently served as New Line's EVP of development. During his tenure, he worked on and executive produced some of New Line's most successful films including Elf, Wedding Crashers and A History of Violence.

Parent says, "I’ve watched Cale from afar for some time now. His taste, passion and strong point of view as well as his ability to recognise real talent and good movie ideas has consistently impressed me. Many people, including myself, have tried to hire Cale in the past, but the timing has never worked out. I couldn’t be more thrilled the timing is working out now and Cale’s able to be a part of this incredibly exciting studio.”

Boyter says, "I'm thrilled to be joining MGM at a time when the studio is poised for major growth. Working closely with Mary, we'll look to identify movies that will work in the marketplace and look forward to building a great slate. Mary is definitely a force in the industry and one of the main reasons I decided to undertake this next challenge in my career. Both of us are focused on achieving major growth for MGM. We want it to work and we want to win."