MUMBAI: Catherine Nebauer has been promoted to Nickelodeon Asia Pacific senior vice president and general manager. Nebauer is currently Nickelodeon Australia general manager.
She will be based in Singapore and report directly to MTV Networks Asia president Frank Brown. This appointment will be effective at the end of March and her successor at Nickelodeon Australia will be announced in due course.
Brown, while making the announcement today, said that in her new role, Nebauer will lead the development of Nickelodeon's rapidly expanding operation in Asia-Pacific, focusing on the strategic growth of the brand across all platforms, with an emphasis on programming content and marketing.
In this capacity, she will partner with the local management of Nickelodeon's 24-hour channels in India, Japan, China, Southeast Asia and Australia, to help drive the brand both in their local markets, and across the Asia-Pacific region.
During her tenure at Nickelodeon Australia, she has been the driving force behind the launch of the Australian Kids Choice Awards franchise in 2003 and 2004, and has been instrumental in increasing the company's commitment to local production.
In 2004, she also oversaw the launch and development of Nick Jr., the first channel in Australia totally dedicated to preschoolers which launched with Ollie, the first Australian Sesame Muppet created specifically for Nickelodeon Australia.
Brown said, "Nickelodeon's phenomenal growth and success in Australia is a testament to Catherine's leadership and talent. This combined with her 10 years experience in Asia, seven of them based in Tokyo, makes Catherine a natural choice for this role."
Before her promotion to general manager, Nebauer was Nickelodeon Australia's programming director and was fundamental in acquiring local and international content for the channel, as well as spearheading original co-productions; these include the award-winning Being Eve, two hour variety show sn:tv which was a localised version of the highly successful UK format SM:TV, and the internationally co-produced Yakkity Yak.
Nebauer has had over 17 years experience in the media business which has included working with publishing giant Kodansha Limited in the area of international business development, before taking positions with production and distribution houses Southern Star and Fireworks International both in Australia and the United Kingdom.
