NEW YORK: Tony Elison has returned to MTV Networks International (MTVNI) in the newly created position of vice president, Interactive Media Development, for the brands MTV, Nickelodeon, VH1 and The Music Factory (TMF).
An official release informs that in his new role, Elison will develop MTVNI's new media and interactive business, partnering with the network's locally run channels and businesses around the world. The New York based Elison will report to Executive VP, MTV Networks International, Sahar Elhabashi.
Elison is responsible for seeking out new interactive opportunities for MTVNI's music and kids brands around the world. The aim is to further maximise audience connections and revenue streams. He was closely involved in MTV International's Motorola sponsorship deal which closed earlier this year, and has been appointed as the point person for all wireless/online content and development for this multifaceted deal. This will see the MTV and Motorola brands partnering on both distribution and content opportunities in the Asia-Pacific, Europe, and Latin America.
Elhabashi said, "Tony's familiarity with our international organization coupled with his extensive expertise in the business of new media makes him the perfect person to develop our international interactive business to reach its maximum potential, in partnership with our locally run and managed businesses, around the world. We have an aggressive growth strategy, and with Tony's expertise, I am confident that we will create innovative and value adding applications that will complement and drive our businesses".
Elison returns to MTVNI after a two year break. He first came to MTVNI as a consultant based in New York, and was immediately dispatched to Japan as Manager, International Business Development to help develop the MTV Japan business. He was promoted to Marketing Director of MTV Japan in 1996. Elison returned to New York in 1997, taking a lead in MTVN's international interactive development, where he worked on developing the MTVi Group Japan, MTV Asia's online business, and MTV Latin America's deal with Terra Networks, an online distribution deal extending the reach of premium MTV content to online users in both Latin America and the Spanish-speaking US market.