Category: People

NBCU names Ian Trombley as president, operations & tech services

MUMBAI: NBCUniversal has named Ian Trombley as president of operations and technical services (O&TS).

Trombley will be responsible for the company’s owned studio and post production operations servicing television and film, including the network operating centers in Denver, New York, and New Jersey.

He also will lead global security, business services and the facility management of NBCUniversal’s real estate portfolio.

Trombley will report to NBCUniversal EVP Adam Miller.

Miller said, “Ian is a talented and proven executive who has been an integral part of the O&TS team for the last 15 years. His operations expertise and thorough understanding of the company leave him uniquely positioned to succeed in this important and complex role.”

Most recently, Trombley was EVP of television operations where he was responsible for the day-to-day operations and engineering for 30 Rock studios, facilities and the on-air and non-linear origination for the company’s portfolio of networks.

Trombley led the rebuild of legendary 30 Rock studios 6A, 6B and 8G, the design and construction of the new state-of-the art Studio Production Gallery and control rooms, and the renovation of over one million square feet of NBCUniversal’s 30 Rockefeller headquarters and New York metro properties.

Trombley succeeds John Wallace, a 27- year veteran of NBCUniversal, who joined NBC in 1988 as a member of the famed Page Program and rose through the ranks, holding a variety of leadership positions throughout the company during his tenure. Most recently, Wallace was president of O&TS since 2011 and prior to that president of the NBC Owned Stations from 2007-2011.

“John’s contributions to NBC over the course of his career are truly immeasurable. His impact is felt all over the organization from technology to real estate to culture. In just the past year, he successfully led the extensive 30 Rockefeller Plaza restoration project which will have a lasting impact on visitors to NBCUniversal and all our employees. Most importantly, however, John has been a valued mentor, colleague and friend to so many of us here. We thank him for his outstanding work and commitment to the success of this company,” said Mr. Miller.

Trombley will work alongside Wallace for the next five weeks to ensure a smooth transition before assuming the role on 8 September.

During his 15 years with NBCUniversal, Trombley has held a number of leadership positions in broadcast and technical operations, facilities and studios management, and Information Technology. He played a critical role leading the NBC network’s transition from analog to digital television (DTV) and has built and launched multi-channel, multi-platform distribution operations in both New Jersey and Colorado, supporting the company’s cable channels, global networks, and TV Everywhere.

Trombley joined NBCUniversal from GE where he had previously held positions within the Quality and Information Technology divisions.

July 28, 2015
Ten Network CEO & chairman Hamish McLennan steps down; Paul Anderson named CEO

MUMBAI: Ten Network CEO and chairman Hamish McLennan has stepped down from his post. The move comes in the wake of Ten selling a 15 per cent stake to Australian pay-TV network Foxtel, which is a 50/50 joint venture between Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp and Telstra.

Ten reportedly raised raise approximately Aus $154 million through the share offering, with Foxtel buying in Aus $77 million of the new equity. In return, it was decided that Ten’s board would be shrunk to six members, with Foxtel bagging one seat.

With McLennan stepping down from both the roles, Ten chief operating officer and chief financial officer Paul Anderson has been appointed as CEO with effect from 27 July, 2015.

Ten Network non-executive director David Gordon has been appointed chairman. Gordon has been a director of Ten since April 2010 and, as a member of the Independent Board Committee, has been closely involved with the strategic transactions announced on 15 June.

Gordon said, “The Board thanks Hamish for his contribution during what has been a challenging period in Ten’s history. He has led a strong and talented management team to effect a turnaround in the company’s performance. Hamish will work with myself and Paul Anderson on a seamless transition and he will continue to advise and assist the company until the end of the year. Ten is in an important and exciting phase, as we continue to build our revenue on the back of strong audience growth since mid-2014 and transition our sales activities to Multi Channel Network; and maintain our clear focus on growth and efficiencies.”

McLennan added, “The strategic arrangements announced on 15 June, including the proposed investment by Foxtel in Ten and the transformative agreement with MCN, mean that my role is complete.”

Anderson said, “I’m extremely honored to be offered this opportunity by the Board and I look forward to continuing to work with the very talented team at TEN to build on the improvements we have seen over the past year or so and execute our strategy, which remains unchanged. At the same time, the transition to MCN is progressing smoothly and has been very well received by the market.”

The strategic arrangements included the appointment of Multi Channel Network as sales representative of Ten’s television and digital advertising inventory. Ten will undertake a selection process for a new chief financial officer.

July 27, 2015
Saregama ropes in Troy Lobo as VP – sales & marketing

MUMBAI: Saregama India has roped in Troy Lobo as vice present – sales and marketing. With over two decades of experience in sales and affiliated marketing, he was previously Turner South Asia executive director, where he was responsible for network and content distribution.

Lobo is the latest hire at Saregama, after Rajesh Beri and Siddharth Anand were hired as senior creatives earlier this month when the company ramped up its television content management team.

Saregama managing director Vikram Mehra said, “We are very pleased to have Troy head our marketing and sales function across all verticals at Saregama. His vast experience in telecom and television sector will further strengthen to build Saregama an end-to-end music and entertainment company of tomorrow.”

July 24, 2015
21st Century Fox ups Jared Sher to SVP & associate general counsel

MUMBAI: 21st Century Fox has promoted Jared Sher to senior vice president and associate general counsel.

Sher continues to have primary responsibility for advising 21st Century Fox on domestic media regulatory issues and representing its portfolio companies before the FCC.

He is based at the company’s Washington, DC, office and reports to 21st Century Fox senior vice president and deputy general counsel Ellen Agress.

“Jared has distinguished himself with the outstanding policy counsel he provides for our domestic broadcast and cable business and we are pleased to recognize his many valuable contributions to our organization,” said Agress.

Sher served as 21st Century Fox vice president and associate general counsel for the last three-plus years, having previously advised the company as counsel at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & Affiliates from 1999 to 2012.

July 24, 2015
CNN International Commercial appoints Fox Sports’ Shradha Nair

MUMBAI: CNN International Commercial has made a new appointment in the Asia Pacific region, boosting its advertising sales team.

Shradha Nair joins the CNN ad sales team and will be responsible for developing, maintaining and increasing CNN’s commercial opportunities in the Singapore market.

Nair has eight years of sales experience across industries including broadcast, recruitment and sports. Prior to joining CNN, she was part of Fox Sports’ regional advertising sales, partnerships and content team and was based in Singapore.

Nair will report to CNN International sales director Southeast Asia Stacey Rabsatt. Her appointment takes effect immediately.

July 23, 2015
FremantleMedia expands Asia business; makes senior hires

MUMBAI: FremantleMedia has made some senior appointments in key Asian markets as the business steps up its growth in the region.

Glenn Sims will move to Singapore to become director of creative content, with responsibility for the creative output and sales for the Singapore business. Sims is currently serving FremantleMedia as SVP – content and production for Indonesian operations.

In this newly-created role, Sims will be responsible for driving FremantleMedia’s pan-Asian productions, following the success of Asia’s Got Talent this year, the company’s regional production which was broadcast in more than 20 countries.

In addition, Asia managing director Paul O’Hanlon will move to a new role as creative director – China after taking some personal leave to welcome his first child in September.

In China, O’Hanlon will work closely with new CEO Vivian Yin to drive the continued expansion of FremantleMedia’s China business, particularly looking to leverage the recently-signed joint venture between Shanghai Media Group’s BesTV, China Media Capital and FremantleMedia to create and develop entertainment formats for the China market.

FremantleMedia Melbourne managing director and director of business operations Don Keyte will move to Singapore as commercial production management executive. He will report to FremantleMedia Australia chief operating officer Simon Rabbitt, who has now taken on the additional responsibility of Asia.

FremantleMedia regional CEO Australia and Asia Ian Hogg said, “Sims is an outstanding executive and has been a key contributor to our Indonesian company for several years. He will absolutely flourish in this new expanded role. I am also delighted that O’Hanlon has agreed to creatively lead our important joint venture in China. His experience in the region is second to none and as the business continues to expand, having someone of his calibre to work alongside Yin is something I value enormously.”

“Keyte has been a successful part of our Australian company’s leadership team for five years. He brings a strong business focus with a deep understanding of production,” added Hogg.

The current COO of Asia Michelle Landy is stepping down from her role. “Landy has made an enormous contribution to our Asian companies. On a personal level I would like to thank her for her energy, drive and steadfast loyalty,” stated Hogg.

FremantleMedia’s offices in India, China, Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand will be given expanded autonomy for further investment, resourcing and growth, moving away from the centralised Singapore model. All businesses will report directly to Ian Hogg.

“Our focus on customers and creative development in Asia with these key appointments allows us to showcase our world-renowned creativity to millions of Asian viewers with content that is made specifically for these markets. There is no doubt that pan regional local production is on the rise,” said Hogg.

“Sims and Keyte will help fuel our growth in Asia with world-class programming and commercial solutions. At the same time, we are giving our individual Asian offices greater independence and control to flex their creative muscle and steer further programming opportunities in their respective markets,” he added.

The appointments are effective immediately.

July 22, 2015
Sony SVP Gaurav Seth quits; to launch digital venture

MUMBAI: There’s a shake-up happening at Sony Entertainment Television (SET). Close on the heels of Star Plus programming head Danish Khan being appointed as the business head for the channel, comes the news that SET senior vice president and marketing head Gaurav Seth has put in his papers after a six year stint at the company.

A source tells Indiantelevision.com that Seth put in his papers in May and is currently serving his three months’ notice period.

According to information available with this website, Seth is planning to start-up his own venture in the digital space. With the world going digital and new frontiers opening in the space every day, it comes as no surprise that Seth has chosen to dabble in this futuristic medium.

He started his career with ESPN-Star Sports as marketing manager in 1997. After six years in the organisation, he moved to Altavista Inc as country head in 2003, where he was responsible for brand development, website traffic growth and advertising revenue.

In 2004, he moved to join Zee Telefilms (now Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd) as vice-president, marketing. At Zee, he took care of the group’s sports brands and business.

Seth then moved on to join Subhash Chandra-led Essel Group new venture Indian Cricket League, India as vice-president in 2007, where he headed the marketing and communications role.

Merely a couple of months after that, he moved on to join Vyas Giannetti Creative Sports as business head in 2008. At the end of 2008, he joined SET India as senior vice-president, marketing for Sony Max.

At the time of filing this story, Seth was unavailable for comment.

July 21, 2015
MIB appoints Mukesh Sharma as director general of Films Division, Mumbai

MUMBAI: The Information and Broadcasting (I&B) Ministry has appointed Mukesh Sharma as director general of Films Division, Mumbai. This is in addition to his regular responsibilities as Doordarshan additional director general (WZ & CRD).

Sharma’s career took flight from the Children‘s Film Society in 1980 under the chairmanship of stalwarts like Dr. V Shantaram, ShabanaAzmi, Jaya Bachchan and AmolPalekar, who shaped his thinking and work ethic. He produced over 50 films during his tenure with CFSI. He also directed the film AnokhaAspatal, which won a special mention at the National Awards in 1990 from the President of the Republic of India, during the sixth International Children’s Film Festival.

The nation’s first Indo-Mauratius co-production venture was initiated by Sharma and this film on Operation Pink Pigeon – Ankur Maina Kabutar won him the National Award in the best Children’s Film category in1990, from P. Venkataraman, the then President of India.

Sharma is also responsible for organizing various children‘s film festivals in India and abroad and was actively associated with the marketing of these children‘s films.

Under his leadership, in 2001 Doordarshan Mumbai Kendra received the Best Doordarshan Kendra (T.V. Station) Award, which was presented to him by the former vice president of India Krishna Kant and DD Sahyadri became a household name in every nook and corner of Maharashtra.

Sharma has contributed 35 years of his experience in working as a public service broadcaster and still feels the thirst to produce rich content informing, educating, connecting and entertaining the vast sections of population, especially those living in remote corners of towns and villages as he feels that it is the right of every citizen of India.

July 17, 2015
Star China Media appoints Iris Xia as deputy GM

MUMBAI: Star China Media has appointed Iris Xia as deputy general manager of the organisation.

Xia has replaced Vivian Yin, who left the company in June this year.

“I am very pleased to announce that Iris Xia will take over as the GM of Star’s global division. Xia has been a long-time, dedicated production and programming team member. Our company has enjoyed being at the top of the ratings with The Voice of China and several other international Formats. Last year we ventured outside China with our own original Format and I am confident Iris will bring Star to the next level both within, and outside of, China,” said Star China Media CEO Tian Ming.

“It is with great excitement that I accept this new position at Star China. I am honored that our CEO, Ming, has placed his trust in me to handle this very important role and I look forward to delivering his vision to the world. We have a great team of creative producers and dedicated staff at Star, along with fantastic programming to promote. I look forward to expanding on the already-established successes we have earned,” added Xia.

Additionally, The Format People, under the direction of CEO Michel Rodrigue, has renewed its retainer contract to continue consulting and negotiating on all aspects of the international television business. Rodrigue will work closely with Xia in carrying out the global program initiatives.

Xia has been with Star TV Group and Star China Media for over 11 years, in charge of media content global sourcing, programming, channel operations and original program development, including five years producing TV entertainment programs and live music concerts.

Prior to Star China, Xia worked as a producer and director for Shanghai Media Group.

July 15, 2015
FremantleMedia China appoints Star’s Vivian Yin as CEO

MUMBAI: FremantleMedia China has appointed Vivian Yin as CEO. Based in Shanghai, Yin joined the company this week and reports into FremantleMedia Asia managing director Paul O’Hanlon.

Yin, most recently Star China chief representative and VP production, will now be responsible for the overall day to day management of the operation and will drive the continued expansion of the FremantleMedia China business.

O’Hanlon said, “FremantleMedia’s China business is a critical part of our strategic growth in the region. Vivian’s strong sense of content creation and hands on production expertise, plus her experience as a highly regarded executive at Star China will be a fantastic asset as we step forward with our plans in China.”

Yin added, “I am extremely honoured to be joining the senior team of FremantleMedia Asia, and adding my experience to drive exciting new growth plans in China. I look forward to working on the raft of projects already in the pipeline, and broadening our business as we continue to diversify.”

July 14, 2015