NEW YORK: Tony Elison has returned to MTV Networks International (MTVNI) in the newly created position of vice president, Interactive Media Development, for the brands MTV, Nickelodeon, VH1 and The Music Factory (TMF).
An official release informs that in his new role, Elison will develop MTVNI’s new media and interactive business, partnering with the network’s locally run channels and businesses around the world. The New York based Elison will report to Executive VP, MTV Networks International, Sahar Elhabashi.
Elison is responsible for seeking out new interactive opportunities for MTVNI’s music and kids brands around the world. The aim is to further maximise audience connections and revenue streams. He was closely involved in MTV International’s Motorola sponsorship deal which closed earlier this year, and has been appointed as the point person for all wireless/online content and development for this multifaceted deal. This will see the MTV and Motorola brands partnering on both distribution and content opportunities in the Asia-Pacific, Europe, and Latin America.
Elhabashi said, “Tony’s familiarity with our international organization coupled with his extensive expertise in the business of new media makes him the perfect person to develop our international interactive business to reach its maximum potential, in partnership with our locally run and managed businesses, around the world. We have an aggressive growth strategy, and with Tony’s expertise, I am confident that we will create innovative and value adding applications that will complement and drive our businesses”.
Elison returns to MTVNI after a two year break. He first came to MTVNI as a consultant based in New York, and was immediately dispatched to Japan as Manager, International Business Development to help develop the MTV Japan business. He was promoted to Marketing Director of MTV Japan in 1996. Elison returned to New York in 1997, taking a lead in MTVN’s international interactive development, where he worked on developing the MTVi Group Japan, MTV Asia’s online business, and MTV Latin America’s deal with Terra Networks, an online distribution deal extending the reach of premium MTV content to online users in both Latin America and the Spanish-speaking US market.
Tag: Sahar Elhabashi
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Tony Elison is VP Interactive Media at MTV Intl
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Sahar Elhabashi is executive VP, MTV Networks International
Sahar Elhabashi has been promoted to Executive V-P, MTV Networks International.
In her expanded role, Elhabashi will direct strategy, operations and business development for MTV Networks’ brands MTV, Nickelodeon, VH1, KinderNet and TMF (The Music Factory) in international markets. Elhabashi is also on the board of directors of Nickelodeon Australia, a joint venture between MTV Networks and XYZ Entertainment.
Elhabashi directed MTV’s January 2001 entry into Japan with a TV channel and Web site launched via a partnership with @JapanMedia, as well as collaborated with MTV Europe on acquisitions of KinderNet and TMF (The Music Factory) in the Netherlands. MTV Networks has introduced 22 new TV, online & PC broadband services internationally in the past year, including VH1’s debut in Asia, Nickelodeon launches in China and Singapore, and MTV 24-hour channel and Web site premieres in Korea and the Philippines.
In the immediate term, an area which might need Elhabashi’s attention in India is Nickelodeon, which two years after its launch is still to find its feet.
Greg Ricca, COO, MTV Networks International, who made the appointment announcement, said: “Sahar has been a driving force behind the strategic growth and development of our brands across multimedia platforms around the world, helping MTV achieve its status as the world’s largest global network, while launching VH1 internationally, and developing Nickelodeon across all lines of businesses in priority markets.”
Elhabashi joined MTV Networks in London in 1992 as manager of new business development, MTV Europe, where she oversaw investment opportunities for MTV in the region. Under her direction, MTV expanded its European business through the launch of VH1 in the UK and Europe as well as through brand extensions into other lines of business, including magazines and record compilations.
In 1994, she was named V-P of Strategy for the newly formed MTV International, responsible for steering strategic and operations planning for MTV and VH1 in international markets. Elhabashi relocated to New York in 1996. In 1997 she was promoted to senior V-P, adding network development for MTV and VH1 to her responsibilities. In 1998, Nickelodeon International’s strategy and network development responsibilities were added to her duties.
MTV Networks claims to be the world’s premier brand-led, multi-platform entertainment company, reaching more than 164 countries via 72 channels, 38 Web sites and extensive syndication and licensing businesses linked to MTV, VH1 and Nickelodeon brands and properties.