Los Angeles, Ca., USA – News Corporation announces that Ward Platt has been named chief operating officer of FOX International Channels (FIC) and chief executive officer of the unit’s National Geographic Channels International (NGCI).[break]
Prior to taking on this new role Mr. Platt oversaw 18 FIC offices throughout Asia Pacific and the Middle East from his base in Hong Kong. Most recently, Mr. Platt led the integration of FOX Sports Asia (formerly ESS) into FIC, as well as the launch of FOX Sports Japan, the largest entry by a non - June 13, 2013, Los Angeles, Ca., USA – News Corporation announces that Ward Platt has been named chief operating officer of FOX International Channels (FIC) and chief executive officer of the unit’s National Geographic Channels International (NGCI).
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Prior to taking on this new role Mr. Platt oversaw 18 FIC offices throughout Asia Pacific and the Middle East from his base in Hong Kong. Most recently, Mr. Platt led the integration of FOX Sports Asia (formerly ESS) into FIC, as well as the launch of FOX Sports Japan, the largest entry by a non-Japanese brand into the local sports TV market.
Mr. Platt joined FIC in 1999 to spearhead the development of National Geographic Channel in Asia Pacific and the Middle East as Group Managing Director. Previously, he was the Senior Vice President of Distribution and Business Development for STAR Group, where he pursued channel and distribution development opportunities for the company throughout Asia. Before that, he worked for five years with Continental Cablevision and its affiliates in both Singapore and Boston.
Zubin Gandevia, who currently serves as COO of FOX International Channels Asia based in Hong Kong has been promoted to President of FOX International Channels Asia.
Mr. Gandevia has more than 20 years of experience in the Asian broadcast industry. Prior to taking on his new role, as COO Mr. Gandevia was the business head for Asia Pacific and the Middle East and was responsible for developing the industry-leading channel brands under FIC. In addition he oversaw FIC’s rapidly growing businesses in China, Taiwan, India and Southeast Asia, as well as Hong Kong’s regional business operations.
Previously, he served as Managing Director and Executive Vice President of National Geographic Channel Asia. He joined the network as Managing Director for India in January 2000, growing National Geographic Channel into a leader in factual entertainment in South Asia. ■