- Share this article on Facebook
- Share this article on Twitter
- Share this article on Flipboard
- Share this article on Email
- Show additional share options
- Share this article on Linkedin
- Share this article on Pinit
- Share this article on Reddit
- Share this article on Tumblr
- Share this article on Whatsapp
- Share this article on Print
- Share this article on Comment
LONDON – News Corp.’s Fox International Channels said Wednesday that it has promoted Ward Platt to the role of COO.
He will also serve as CEO of the unit’s National Geographic Channels International. Platt will continue to report to Hernan Lopez, president and CEO of Fox International Channels.
PHOTOS: Leslie Moonves, David Zaslav, Robert Iger: 10 Highly-Paid Entertainment CEOs
Platt previously served as president, Asia Pacific and the Middle East for Fox International Channels. He will relocate from Hong Kong to LA and focus on executing the division’s growth plans around the world. He will also oversee international programming, marketing, operations, syndication and finance for the National Geographic Channels outside of the U.S.
Meanwhile, Zubin Gandevia, who currently serves as COO of Fox International Channels Asia has been promoted to president of Fox International Channels Asia. Based in Hong Kong, he will continue to report to Platt.
Fox International Channels has 300-plus wholly- and majority-owned entertainment, factual, sports, movie and lifestyle channels across Latin America, Europe, Asia and Africa. The networks and their related mobile and other extensions reach more than 1.6 billion households worldwide. The fast-growing unit of Rupert Murdoch’s media empire will be part of 21st Century Fox after the split of News Corp., which is scheduled to be completed at the end of the month.
PHOTOS: Summer TV Preview: 51 New and Returning Series
“I have been fortunate to work with Ward for the past 11 years,” said Lopez. “He has built our business in Asia from the ground up, turning it into a model in the region. I am delighted to have him step up to this new and expanded role.”
Said Platt: “FIC as a company is incredibly dynamic with a “can do” culture, and I am grateful for this opportunity to continue working alongside my colleagues to help Hernan take the Fox International Channels and National Geographic Channels International businesses to new heights.”
Platt joined FIC in 1999 to spearhead the development of the National Geographic Channel in the Asia Pacific region and the Middle East as group managing director.
Email: Georg.Szalai@thr.com
Twitter: @georgszalai
Related Stories
Related Stories
THR Newsletters
Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day