MUMBAI: AXN Network has created a new position to focus in one of its fast-growing markets. Sunil Punjabi, who had quit Cinemax in May as CEO, has joined as business head and will be handling the channels AXN and Animax.

"Earlier, most of the operations were being handled out of Singapore. Now they want to have a local focus. So they have created this new position," Multi Screen Media president network sales Rohit Gupta told Indiantelevision.com.

Punjabi will report to Sony Pictures Television (SPT) Networks-Asia EVP and GM Ricky Ow, who is based in the company?s regional head office in Singapore. 

Punjabi will be overseeing the day-to-day management of the channels, developing business opportunities and channel equity. He will lead the team in developing the go-to-market strategy for new channels as well as oversee the development, acquisition and production of a content mix for SPT?s networks in India. He is also charged with driving marketing strategies to grow the channel brands and to pursue further distribution opportunities.

"We are pleased to welcome Sunil to drive our business in India. His acumen and experience across all functions will be key assets to lead our channels to greater heights in one of Asia?s largest and most competitive TV markets,"said Ow.

AXN and Animax India SVP Rohit Bhandari will report to Punjabi. 

"Yes, I have joined AXN. We have always had marketing offices and now we are setting up new operations in India,"Punjabi told Indiantelevision.com.

An engineering graduate and an MBA, Punjabi earlier worked with Sony where he was responsible for business development for sports, movie and music TV channels. He was also looking after new media, telephony and syndication divisions.

Prior to joining Sony, Punjabi headed the film production and distribution strategy at Fox Star Studios India for a period of two years.