FIC Unveils New Asia Structure

HONG KONG: Following the restructure of STAR’s operations, FOX International Channels Asia (FIC) has unveiled its new enhanced portfolio and its leadership team as it looks to continue building its business in the region.

FIC in Asia now consists of 37 channels, including FX, FOXCRIME, FOX, FOXLife, FOX Movies, FOX History & Entertainment, FOX Sports, STAR World, STAR Movies, Channel [V] International, National Geographic Channel, Nat Geo Adventure, Nat Geo Wild, National Geographic Channel HD, Nat Geo Music, Baby TV and TvN, reaching 13 markets in Asia and more than 426 million cumulative pay-TV subscribers.

FOX International Channels Asia, with 15 offices in the region, is led by Ward Platt as president and Zubin Gandevia as COO. The senior team includes Avinash (Avi) Himatsinghani as senior VP and general manager of ASEAN territories out of Singapore. He is responsible for expanding business operations, advertising and affiliates sales for all channels in Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand. Jonathan Ellis, senior VP of revenues & partnerships leads a regional sales team of 42 members in nine offices in Asia. Joon Lee is senior VP of programming, creative and channel operations and country manager of Korea. Nathane Banks takes the role of senior VP of broadcast operations and equipments. Sonia Jackson is senior VP of marketing and general manager for Hong Kong and the Philippines. And Edwina Ngao, is VP of affiliate sales and partnerships, heading up the newly established distribution business of FOX International Channels Asia. Stationed in Hong Kong, the regional team will report directly to Gandevia. 

“Asia is a vibrant and burgeoning market with a unique cultural mix that creates countless business opportunities in the pay-TV industry," said Gandevia. "Alongside a sophisticated channel lineup and world-class service, the team of top-notch veterans provides unprecedented value to the company and our partners to stay competitive in the world’s most exciting pay-TV region. Each of them has strong credentials, solid market knowledge and the entrepreneurial spirit that keeps our business nimble and growing."