Microsoft Exec to Serve as International Emmy Gala Chair

NEW YORK: Blair Westlake, the corporate VP of Microsoft’s Media & Entertainment Group, will serve as the Gala Chair of this year’s International Emmy Awards, which take place on November 23 in New York City.

Making the announcement, Bruce L. Paisner, the president and CEO of the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, stated: “As a senior executive at Microsoft, Blair is on the front line of the revolution taking place in our industry. We welcome him as chair of this year’s Gala, both as a long-time friend and supporter of the International Academy, and as a sign of the Academy’s broadening mandate in our changing media world."

Westlake’s group at Microsoft has brought more than 20,000 pieces of on-demand content to Microsoft customers through the Xbox LIVE Video Marketplace, Windows Media Center PCs and Zune. Outside of the U.S., Westlake’s team has inked deals with BSkyB and Canal+. “In the midst of constant change in the television landscape, the International Academy has consistently led the way to bring creative entertainment to growing audiences worldwide,” said Westlake. “I am honored to serve as this year’s chair and look forward to celebrating the Academy’s innovation at such an extraordinary time for the industry.”

In addition to celebrating achievements in programming, this year’s International Emmys will honor Sir David Frost with the Founders Award and Markus Schächter, the director general of  ZDF, with the Directorate Award.