beIN Asia Pacific taps Guna Kaliannan as APAC content director

SINGAPORE: beIN Asia Pacific has appointed Guna Kaliannan as director, content (APAC), handing the regional content reins to a seasoned media and sports executive as competition for audiences, rights and relevance intensifies across Asia.

Kaliannan joins the broadcaster in January 2026, bringing more than two decades of experience across media, sport, live events and communications in the Asia-Pacific region. The appointment marks a return to an operating role after a career break taken for family caregiving.

In his new role, Kaliannan will oversee content strategy across markets, aligning global priorities with local audiences as beIN sharpens its APAC playbook across broadcast, OTT and experiential platforms.

A builder by instinct, Kaliannan has held senior leadership roles at GroupM (WPP), Singtel, Wasserman and The O4 Company, where he led regional expansion, market entry and revenue growth. His career spans the full content value chain — from rights acquisition and distribution to live events, talent, partnerships and brand-led experiences.

At The O4 Company, where he served as chief executive officer, Kaliannan designed and executed the firm’s APAC launch strategy, built a scalable ecosystem across content, experience, product, talent and community, and led the rollout of Gastrobeats Singapore, a flagship event that attracted more than 30 partners and sponsors.

Earlier, as commercial director for Asia Pacific at GroupM Entertainment, he oversaw operations across eight markets, delivering 30 per cent year-on-year growth within two years and driving expansion into South Asia. At Wasserman, he helped scale the consulting business in the region, generating over $1 million in annual revenues within 12 months.

Kaliannan’s earlier stints include senior roles at Singtel’s mio TV, where he led sports, Indian, Malay and kids’ content, as well as positions at Discovery Networks and ESPN Star Sports, grounding his career in content acquisition and broadcast economics.

Known for his “no sacred cows” approach, Kaliannan has built a reputation for questioning orthodoxies, integrating content with community and experience, and translating strategy into execution across diverse markets.

For beIN Asia Pacific, the hire signals intent: sharper content thinking, tougher commercial discipline and a renewed push to turn vision into impact — at speed.