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Tag: Ricky Ow

  • WarnerMedia makes top level APAC changes

    WarnerMedia makes top level APAC changes

    MUMBAI: Ricky Ow has been named president, WarnerMedia Entertainment Networks, distribution and advertising sales, APAC, uniting Turner Asia Pacific and HBO Asia to create a combined powerhouse of leading brands, in the first of a series of key appointments announced today by Giorgio Stock, president, WarnerMedia Entertainment Networks, distribution and advertising sales, EMEA and APAC.

    Ow, previously president, Turner Asia Pacific, takes on responsibility for all entertainment networks, distribution of all networks, advertising sales and the kids networks operations in the Asia Pacific region and reports into Stock.

    “Ricky has done a tremendous job in building a team that has transformed our business in Asia, investing in award-winning premium content, developing completely new revenue streams and optimising operations. I’m confident that he and his extended team will deliver even more to our partners and invest further in what we offer our fans,” said Stock.

    Jonathan Spink, CEO, HBO Asia, will be leaving the company. “I want to thank Jonathan, who over his long tenure has led the Asian team with passion, entrepreneurship, and a focus on innovation, applying throughout his good humour and a healthy dose of common sense. I am looking forward to having his precious advice and his insights through the end of this year as we bring our companies together and prepare for a new chapter,” Stock added.

    “It has been a truly exceptional experience leading HBO Asia over these past years,” said Spink. “It has been a wonderful journey and I wish the company every success for the future.”

    With the new organisation, Clement Schwebig has been promoted to managing director, WarnerMedia Entertainment Networks, Southeast Asia, Pacific and China, effective immediately. Schwebig will be based in Singapore and continue to report to Ow.

    In his new role, Schwebig will oversee all entertainment networks including HBO and its family of channels, OTT service and two SVOD services, Warner TV, local content channels Red and Oh!K, as well as Cartoon Network and the kids portfolio, and all digital ventures. His responsibilities include operations, advertising sales, and the distribution of all networks including CNN International, HLN and BabyFirst.

    Previously, Schwebig was CFO of Turner Asia Pacific, SVP business development and licensing for the region, as well as managing director of China. Over the past 6 years he has been leading the financial growth, as well as successfully driving the company’s strong expansion beyond its core business in China and location-based entertainment businesses. Schwebig joined Turner in 2013 after spending more than a decade managing substantial TV operations in Europe and Asia.

    “Clement is a seasoned business leader who has substantial experience encompassing all aspects of business operations in TV broadcasting and production, strategy, finance and sales,” said Ow. “With his deep understanding of our business in Asia Pacific, Clement is ideally suited to lead our networks and commercial operations in Southeast Asia Pacific and China, playing an even more active role in shaping the direction and strategy as we transform into a modern media company,” he added.

    “I’m grateful for the confidence Giorgio and Ricky have placed in me. Combining the strengths of all our teams behind powerful brands like HBO, CNN and Cartoon Network positions us for a sustainable growth of our business as we evolve rapidly in order to engage our consumers across multiple touchpoints, with standout content, leveraging data and technology. I have a deep respect for the success HBO Asia has achieved and will build upon the legacy established by Jonathan and his executive team. I am particularly looking forward to working with the Turner and HBO teams in Singapore, which are known in the industry for their creativity and innovative mindset,” said Schwebig.

    Stock also announced changes in the key support functions of finance and legal.

    Steve Burton, executive vice president, HBO Asia, will leave the company. “Steve’s many contributions to the HBO Asia business have been integral to the business success over the years, with his drive and commitment,” said Stock. “He leaves us well-equipped to take advantage of future opportunities.”

    Jamie Friend, currently SVP and CFO for WarnerMedia Entertainment Networks, EMEA, has been promoted to take on the additional responsibility of helming the company's financial planning and analysis for APAC as well. "Jamie’s business acumen, innovative thinking and strategic vision is a powerful combination which has already been invaluable to our existing EMEA operation,” said Stock. “Now he will bring those skills to the Asian region to shape and support how we evolve the business in today’s fast-changing media landscape.”

    Also supporting the new organisation in APAC are regional legal counsels Annabel Archer and Lawrence Yuen who report into Alessandra Chichi, chief legal counsel for WarnerMedia Entertainment Networks, distribution and advertising sales EMEA and APAC region.

    Jamie also reports into Trey Turner, EVP and chief financial officer, WarnerMedia sales & international; Alessandra also reports into Melissa Roper Barnett, EVP and general counsel, WarnerMedia Sales & International.

    These appointments for Asia Pacific are part of WarnerMedia Entertainment Networks efforts to position its business in the region for further growth and take its portfolio of brands to the next level.

    Spanning 42 countries in 14 languages, WarnerMedia Entertainment Asia Pacific brands include Warner TV, Oh!K, Mondo TV, Mondo Mah-Jong TV, TABI Channel, Tabi Tele, Cartoon Network, Boomerang, POGO and Tuzki together with HBO, HBO Signature, HBO Family, HBO Hits, Cinemax and Red as well as the OTT service HBO Go, and two SVOD services HBO On Demand and Ding Ji Ju Chang. WarnerMedia Entertainment Networks is also responsible for the distribution of CNN International, HLN and BabyFirst in Asia.

  • Jonathan Spink new CASBAA board chairman

    Jonathan Spink new CASBAA board chairman

    MUMBAI: Following its first meeting on 06 December, the CASBAA Board of Directors announced that Jonathan Spink, CEO of HBO Asia, has been elected Chairman of the Board of Directors for the next 12 months.

    With almost three decades of experience in the pay television industry, Jonathan Spink is responsible for the overall management of HBO in South East and South Asia. Under Spink’s leadership, HBO Asia has built a growing network of standard-definition and high-definition channels and services, as well as developing several groundbreaking original local productions.

    Spink succeeds Sompan Charumilinda, Vice Chairman of TrueVisions, as Chairman of the CASBAA Board. “Khun Sompan has been a Board member for more than a decade, and most recently, served diligently in his term as Chairman of the Board,” said Spink. “On behalf of my fellow Directors and the broader membership, we thank him for his guidance and insights over the years and we look forward to his continued contribution on the Association’s Board.”

    Spink also welcomed new Directors elected during the Association’s 2016 AGM held 10 Nov in Macau; namely, Rohit D’Silva (FOX Networks Group Asia), Jonas Engwall (RTL CBS Asia Entertainment Network), Marcel Fenez (Fenez Media), Todd Miller (Celestial Tiger Entertainment), Alexandre Muller (TV5MONDE), and Andrew Stott (Olswang Asia). They join returning Directors Sompan Charumilinda (TrueVisions), Andrew Jordan (AsiaSat), Amit Malhotra (The Walt Disney Company Southeast Asia), Ricky Ow (Turner International Asia Pacific), Mark Patterson (GroupM), Joe Welch (21st Century Fox), and Christopher Slaughter (CASBAA) to make up CASBAA’s Board.

    “With the multichannel TV industry in all its forms facing unprecedented challenges as well as opportunities in 2017,” Spink added, “the coming year promises to be busier than ever for CASBAA. I look forward to working with my fellow Directors and the CASBAA Executive Office to ensure that the work of the Association is relevant to all its Member companies, as they adapt to a rapidly developing operating environment.”

    Following the announcement of the Chairman and Board of Directors 2017, CASBAA CEO Christopher Slaughter highlighted the increasingly broad Membership of the Association. He noted that during 2016 several new members joined, including the Premier League, Rewind Networks, Nielsen, Strategic IP Information, Metrasat, Trilegal, and Kantar Media. Also during the year, TV5MONDE, Intelsat, RTL/CBS and INVIDI all upgraded to Patron status. “It is a delight to welcome these new additions across all our membership categories,” Slaughter said. “We are confident they will prove to be valuable additions to the CASBAA community, and we look forward to their participation in our activities and on our Committees.”

  • Jonathan Spink new CASBAA board chairman

    Jonathan Spink new CASBAA board chairman

    MUMBAI: Following its first meeting on 06 December, the CASBAA Board of Directors announced that Jonathan Spink, CEO of HBO Asia, has been elected Chairman of the Board of Directors for the next 12 months.

    With almost three decades of experience in the pay television industry, Jonathan Spink is responsible for the overall management of HBO in South East and South Asia. Under Spink’s leadership, HBO Asia has built a growing network of standard-definition and high-definition channels and services, as well as developing several groundbreaking original local productions.

    Spink succeeds Sompan Charumilinda, Vice Chairman of TrueVisions, as Chairman of the CASBAA Board. “Khun Sompan has been a Board member for more than a decade, and most recently, served diligently in his term as Chairman of the Board,” said Spink. “On behalf of my fellow Directors and the broader membership, we thank him for his guidance and insights over the years and we look forward to his continued contribution on the Association’s Board.”

    Spink also welcomed new Directors elected during the Association’s 2016 AGM held 10 Nov in Macau; namely, Rohit D’Silva (FOX Networks Group Asia), Jonas Engwall (RTL CBS Asia Entertainment Network), Marcel Fenez (Fenez Media), Todd Miller (Celestial Tiger Entertainment), Alexandre Muller (TV5MONDE), and Andrew Stott (Olswang Asia). They join returning Directors Sompan Charumilinda (TrueVisions), Andrew Jordan (AsiaSat), Amit Malhotra (The Walt Disney Company Southeast Asia), Ricky Ow (Turner International Asia Pacific), Mark Patterson (GroupM), Joe Welch (21st Century Fox), and Christopher Slaughter (CASBAA) to make up CASBAA’s Board.

    “With the multichannel TV industry in all its forms facing unprecedented challenges as well as opportunities in 2017,” Spink added, “the coming year promises to be busier than ever for CASBAA. I look forward to working with my fellow Directors and the CASBAA Executive Office to ensure that the work of the Association is relevant to all its Member companies, as they adapt to a rapidly developing operating environment.”

    Following the announcement of the Chairman and Board of Directors 2017, CASBAA CEO Christopher Slaughter highlighted the increasingly broad Membership of the Association. He noted that during 2016 several new members joined, including the Premier League, Rewind Networks, Nielsen, Strategic IP Information, Metrasat, Trilegal, and Kantar Media. Also during the year, TV5MONDE, Intelsat, RTL/CBS and INVIDI all upgraded to Patron status. “It is a delight to welcome these new additions across all our membership categories,” Slaughter said. “We are confident they will prove to be valuable additions to the CASBAA community, and we look forward to their participation in our activities and on our Committees.”

  • Turner International ups Mark Eyers as SVP

    Turner International ups Mark Eyers as SVP

    MUMBAI: Turner International Asia Pacific has promoted Mark Eyers to senior vice president. 

     

    As chief content officer, Eyers oversees every aspect of Turner’s kids content business and portfolio of leading kids brands across Asia Pacific including Cartoon Network, Boomerang, Toonami and Pogo.

     

    Based in Hong Kong, Eyers will focus on strengthening the planning process for these brands, identifying and developing fresh animation talent on local, regional and international level as well as opportunities to further develop and distribute hit properties and content franchises across the company’s multiple platforms – TV, web and mobile.

     

    He will also be accountable for spearheading new channel development across the region.

     

    Turner International Asia Pacific president Ricky Ow said, “Under Mark’s leadership, Turner’s kids brands have not only dominated the genre but also expanded tremendously across the region. He has spearheaded the growth of our kids brands across multi-platform while also leading numerous international original animation productions, including the award-winning Monster Beach and recent series Exchange Student Zero. His promotion is a timely acknowledgement of his contribution to the importance of the kids brands to Turner’s business in this region and the confidence we have in him to further build upon it.”

     

    Eyers, joined Turner International Asia Pacific’s creative services team in 2004 and previously worked as vice president of kids content. In this capacity, he was responsible for the implementation of a unified programming vision across all Turner brands by integrating the original production and development unit within the programming division.

  • CASBAA elects Sompan Charumilinda as chairman of board

    CASBAA elects Sompan Charumilinda as chairman of board

    MUMBAI: Asian non-profit media association serving the multi-channel audio-visual content creation and distribution industry CASBAA has elected Sompan Charumilinda as chairman of the board of directors.

     

    Charumilinda is a pioneer in Thailand’s pay-TV industry and is currently True Visions Group executive vice chairman.

     

    He has over 20 years of experience in guiding the industry through rapidly changing markets, regulatory regimes and technological developments.

     

    For the past ten years he has served as a member of CASBAA’s board of directors, actively promoting CASBAA’s members’ interests both in Thailand and across the region.

     

    “It’s personally exciting for me to be elected chairman of the board at a time of immense technological change in our industry. CASBAA will continue to evolve to meet the changing needs of its members, and together with my fellow Directors, I will strive to ensure the Association maintains its relevance to our industry,” he said.

     

    The CASBAA Board is composed of 14 directors, including Marcel Fenez, Andrew Jordan (Eutelsat), Janice Lee (PCCW Media), Amit Malhotra (The Walt Disney Company), Todd Miller (Celestial Tiger Entertainment), Alexandre Muller (TV5MONDE), Ricky Ow (Turner Asia Pacific), Mark Patterson (GroupM), Frank Rittman (MPA), Christopher Slaughter (CASBAA), Jonathan Spink (HBO Asia), Bill Wade (AsiaSat), and Joe Welch (21st Century Fox).

  • Turner commissions documentary on Singapore Botanic Gardens

    Turner commissions documentary on Singapore Botanic Gardens

    MUMBAI: Turner has commissioned a documentary called A World Icon: Singapore Botanic Gardens. The program will premiere on the recently launched World Heritage Channel in Asia. The documentary is expected to air in late 2015 or early 2016.

     

    The documentary is produced in 4K by Beach House Pictures and uses the state of the art drone technology to film an inspiring aerial cinematography. It also features epic time lapses coupled with slow motion sequences to paint a mesmerizing and unforgettable picture of this botanic masterpiece.

     

    The documentary will also feature expert historians, botanists and taxonomists who will be seen telling the story of the revered garden from its historical and cultural heritage to the oldest tree, largest orchid collection in the world, colonial buildings and new scientific breakthroughs, whilst shedding light on what future lies in store for this national treasure.

     

    “The Botanic Gardens of Singapore is not just a green oasis in the heart of one of Asia’s most cosmopolitan metropolis. This is a garden like no other with fascinating stories of history, heritage, culture and science, hidden in each petal, leaf and brick. The project is perfect for World Heritage Channel, which is home to some of the most awe-inspiring history, culture, travel and nature programming. And I cannot think of a more exciting start to the first in a series of original productions for our newest brand, World Heritage Channel, as well as a more fitting way to commemorate Singapore’s golden jubilee anniversary,” said Turner Asia Pacific president Ricky Ow.

     

    The 150-year-old Singapore botanic garden was inscribed in July 2015 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site at the 39 session of the World Heritage committee in Germany, Bonn. It is the first tropical botanic garden on the UNESCO’s World Heritage List and is the first in Asia. The 74 hectare garden holds a unique and significant place in the history of Singapore and the region.

  • Turner to license Warner consumer products in India, Bangladesh, Pakistan & Sri Lanka

    Turner to license Warner consumer products in India, Bangladesh, Pakistan & Sri Lanka

    MUMBAI: Turner Broadcasting System Asia Pacific’s Cartoon Network Enterprises (CNE) will now be the consumer products licensing representative for Warner Bros. Consumer Products (WBCP) in India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, with the licensing agent for Bangladesh being Enroute International Limited.

     

    WBCP’s portfolio in these markets will be represented by CNE, consisting of films, television series, animated programs, and more. This includes iconic brands such as DC Comics Super Heroes Batman, Superman and The Flash, as well as Looney Tunes, Tom & Jerry, Scooby-Doo, Harry Potter and The Hobbit trilogy amongst others.

     

    “Turner has always been our close partner as we support their broadcasting and marketing of animation programs in the region. This extension of our relationship will now include representation of our consumer products licensing business in the region, which is a strategic collaboration that will be mutually beneficial,” said Warner Bros. Consumer Products Greater China, Southeast Asia and India managing director Bianca Lee.

     

    The wide spectrum of WBCP’s licensing categories includes apparel, accessories, publishing, stationery, toys, gifts, novelties, as well as branded foods, personal care products and licensed advertising promotions as key categories in the region.

     

    Turner Asia Pacific president Ricky Ow said, “This association embodies the spirit of collaboration within Time Warner and leverages our combined organisation’s strengths. We already operate some of the most loved leading brands in South Asia and this collaboration will benefit from our proven success and the future investments we will make in the region. We are delighted to add WBCP to our portfolio and are very bullish on its growth opportunities.”

     

    CNE’s licensing portfolio in South Asia comprises 76 partners across India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka across traditional retail, modern trade and e-commerce platforms.

  • Turner launches World Heritage Channel in Asia

    Turner launches World Heritage Channel in Asia

    MUMBAI: Turner Broadcasting System Asia Pacific has launched a new, premium and 100 per cent pure documentary channel called World Heritage Channel. With programming categories that include nature, travel, history and culture, the channel’s signature content will take viewers on inspiring journeys to the most treasured places on earth i.e UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites.

     

    The channel has secured hundreds of hours of first-run, exclusive and award-winning content for the region from documentary makers. Notable shows include: The World Heritage, Journey to Natural World Heritage Sites and Beautiful Planet, as well the Asian documentaries Asia’s Monarchies and Asia Rising. Travel documentary fans can look forward to Travel Bug and Paradise Asia, while nature enthusiasts will love the latest series from the world’s leading naturalist – David Attenborough’s Conquest of the Skies and David Attenborough’s Flying Monsters.

     

    The announcement comes as exciting news for audiences, who seek a meaningful and undiluted documentary television destination. Through the World Heritage Channel, viewers will be able to experience the beauty of the world and heritage, and discover the sights, sounds and tastes of breathtaking landscapes, colorful festivals, wildlife, isolated tribes and unique cuisines.

     

    Turner Asia Pacific president Ricky Ow said, “The debut of this stunning channel is the beginning of a fourth channel genre for Turner in Asia. Alongside our landmark brands in News, Kids and General Entertainment, the World Heritage Channel is a perfect entry for Turner into the Documentary genre.”

     

    The channel will be available in full HD with Chinese, Bahasa Malaysia, Bahasa Indonesia and Thai subtitles. For selected content, authenticated OTT and catch-up rights for the channel have also been secured.

     

    “We believe the channel will appeal to a select audience who are seeking a premium, authentic and serious documentary destination. We look forward to introducing this beautiful new offering around Asia in the coming months,” concluded Ow.

     

  • Turner launches OH!K channel in Southeast Asia

    Turner launches OH!K channel in Southeast Asia

    MUMBAI: Turner Broadcasting System Asia Pacific today signed a volume deal with Korea’s broadcaster MBC, locking in content for Oh!K, a new general entertainment channel.

    Commenting on the occasion Turner Asia Pacific president Ricky Ow said, “Oh!K combines the best in content with Turner’s proven history in curating some of the most successful channels in Asia Pacific. We are thrilled to partner with MBC and we are looking forward to introducing it to the region in the coming months.”
    Oh!K will have first pick of MBC content, including first-runs and exclusives soon after their initial transmission debut in Korea, with some shows airing within a week.

    MBC produces 1400 hours of quality content each year distributed in more than 100 countries. Current shows include drama series Diary of a Night Watchman, You Are My Destiny, Triangle and the long-running variety show Infinite Challenge and reality show Dad, Where Are We Going?

    MBC media business executive managing director Jung Woo Oh added, “We are very proud to be partnering with Turner to give viewers unparalleled access to some of the most engaging Korean TV content. The launch of Oh!K will allow an even bigger audience to enjoy MBC’s unique brand of storytelling, and we can’t wait to share our best shows with fans in Southeast Asia.”

    The launch of Oh!K launch follows Turner’s April announcement that it will assume full operational and programming control of WarnerTV, the English-language entertainment channel in Singapore.

     

  • Phil Nelson takes on expanded role at Turner Asia Pacific

    Phil Nelson takes on expanded role at Turner Asia Pacific

    MUMBAI: Turner International Asia Pacific has announced that Phil Nelson has been appointed senior vice president and managing director, Southeast Asia Pacific and north Asia.

     

    Previously responsible for strategic planning and north Asia, Nelson now has operational oversight for the commercial functions of Turner’s business in Southeast Asia Pacific in addition to Japan and Korea. Reporting into him from these three regional areas are Tom Perry, Ron Lee and Robi Stanton, respectively.

     

    Commenting on this elevation, Asia Pacific president Ricky Ow said, “In his new role, I am certain Phil will enable us to optimize our brands and operational efficiency. With his experience of the media business in Asia Pacific, Phil’s role at the heart of Turner’s commercial operations will undoubtedly put us in a stronger position for future growth. His expanded remit will allow us to identify even more new opportunities across the region.”

     

    Nelson joined Turner Asia Pacific in 2010 as the head of business development responsible for business and corporate development as well as strategic planning across all Tuner businesses throughout Asia. In 2013, his role was expanded to include the north Asia business.

     

    Prior to joining Turner, Nelson was managing director of AOL Asia, based in India and responsible for the digital pioneer’s business and operations throughout the region. Previous positions with AOL included general manager, AOL India and various executive positions in programming, technologies and finance based in AOL’s US headquarters.

     

    Before entering the corporate sector, Nelson was a commander in the US Navy and was stationed throughout the world including Japan, the Middle East and Washington DC. Nelson holds an MBA from Harvard University. He was born in Singapore and has spent most of his life in Asia.