FIC strengthens management team in HK, SE Asia
(20 May 2010 2:40 pm)
MUMBAI: Fox International Channels (FIC) is building up its management team in Hong Kong and Southeast Asia to further accelerate its pan-regional advertising sales capabilities and drive local market growth.
Simeon Dawes has been appointed Fox One Stop Media's (FOSM) senior vice president.
Based in Hong Kong, Dawes will lead FOSM's network of advertising sales representatives across 10 Asian offices. He takes over from Jonathan Ellis and will report to chief operating officer Zubin Gandevia.
Meanwhile, Ellis, who established FOSM in his role as senior vice president, revenue & partnerships, is leaving FIC to focus on entrepreneurial endeavors in the mobile technology arena.
Rajesh Sheshadri has been appointed as head of the newly created Trade Solutions division within FOSM. Comprising creative production, advertising sales, marketing and communications experts, the Trade Solutions service tailors strategic 360 degree media solutions for pan-regional advertisers to further leverage FOSM's channel brands and audience reach.
In addition, Sheshadri becomes territory head of FIC's flagship market, Hong Kong, where he will continue to expand the local business in terms of channel portfolio, localised content, packaging, marketing and local advertising sales. Sheshadri shifts to Hong Kong after five years at FIC in India, most recently as senior vice president -content and communication.
Sheshadri takes over from Sonia Jackson who, until now was wearing two hats, that of SVP - marketing and general manager, Hong Kong and the Philippines.
Jackson has decided to take a sabbatical after 12 fruitful years with FIC during which
she launched various FIC brands across five continents and led significant businesses in Hong Kong and the Philippines. She will continue to work with FIC as a business consultant.
Jude Turcuato will continue to lead as territory director for the Philippines. He will now report directly to Fox International Channels Asia, COO Zubin Gandevia, and will continue to explore business development opportunities such as localising the channel portfolio and driving local affiliate and advertising sales.
Yvonne Tay, former vice president, advertising sales & partnerships, will move to Singapore as vice president and territory head - Singapore. Her mandate will be to further build FIC's leadership in Southeast Asia. She will also be responsible for further expanding the FOSM business in that territory, leading the Singapore-based regional advertising sales team to continue to unlock the potential of multi-market advertising in this region. Tay will report directly to Avi Himatsinghani, senior vice president and general manager, Southeast Asia.
Says Fox International Channels chief operating officer Zubin Gandevia, "Fox International Channels dominates television viewing across the globe with its distinctive content, strong channel portfolio anchored upon well-recognised brands and valuable affiliate partnerships. The guiding principle of FOSM is to create a bridge that connects our consumers across the globe with our advertisers. FOSM aims to go beyond the 30-second spot and offers a mix of on-air, off-air and online solutions to meet advertiser needs. In addition to delivering world-class products, we believe that we also need the right structure and people to deliver solutions to our clients. The above changes help us do just that."
