MUMBAI: Fox International Channels head of entertainment and factual channels for Hong Kong & Southeast Asia Keertan Adyanthaya has been elevated as executive vice president – content and communications – Hong Kong & Southeast Asia with effect from 1 September.
In his new role, Adyanthaya will be responsible for all content, channel operations and marketing for the HK and SE Asia covering Hollywood and Chinese entertainment as well as factual genres.
It may be recalled that a couple of months back Adyanthaya, who was heading FIC’s India operations as NGC Network India managing director, was re-located to Hong Kong to handle a broader portfolio.
Adyanthaya elevation is one of many structural reshuffling done by FIC in north Asia so as to align with its new strategy as the company positions itself for a growth spurt in China with an aim to ramp up its investment in production of Chinese content and communications. The restructuring exercise reflects emerging opportunities in these markets including China, Japan and Korea.
FIC Asia Pacific and Middle East president Zubin Gandevia said, “Japan and Korea are two of the biggest media markets in our footprint. In view of recent strategic partnerships we’ve forged in both countries, including with JTBC to launch JTBC3 FOX Sports in Korea and with Avex in Japan as part of an OTT offering, we see massive potential for further growth in these markets.”
As a part of the restructuring, FIC managing director for SE Asia and Hong Kong Joon Lee will now move into a dual role, which is focused on driving growth initiatives in Japan and Korea as well as increasing FIC’s share of the growing opportunities in original Chinese production as executive vice president, North Asia & head of original productions – Mainland China.
“Joon’s unique combination of experience – his familiarity with our businesses in both countries plus his proven leadership and creativity – will be invaluable in helping us to dive deeper in these markets,” added Gandevia.
On the other hand, Simeon Dawes has been named FIC EVP ad sales and partnerships and MD – Hong Kong, Southeast Asia & Middle East and will take over some of Lee’s responsibilities in Hong Kong and southeast Asia, even as he will continue to oversee FIC’s Middle Eastern business and ad sales across Asia Pacific.
FIC EVP commercial and sports Rohit D’Silva will continue in his current role, which includes the FOX Sports Asia business as well as affiliate and content partnerships, and non-linear products.
“Keertan’s proven successes with content-driven initiatives will complement Simeon and Rohit’s ability to forge mutually beneficial partnerships with our advertisers and platform partners. All four executives are proven leaders in FIC and will without a doubt propel our businesses in North and Southeast Asia to new heights,” Gandevia said.
