MTVN Names Chinese MD

BEIJING/SINGAPORE: With immediate effect, Mei Yan takes on the role of managing director for MTV Networks China, along with serving as chief representative of Viacom Asia in China.

She will be responsible for overseeing operations of MTV Networks’ business in China, including the 24-hour MTV China in Guangdong, Nickelodeon and all of its brand extensions, MTV- and Nickelodeon-branded co-productions in the mainland, digital media and consumer products. She will also be responsible for Viacom Asia’s new business development and governmental relations. She reports to Indra Suharjono, the executive VP and managing director of MTV Networks Southeast Asia and Greater China.

Previously, she held a variety of roles within News Corp. and STAR’s China operations, and was also the VP of network marketing and distribution for Turner International Asia Pacific. Prior to relocating to Asia, she had a number of management and journalistic positions at CNN’s headquarters in Atlanta.

Suharjono commented of the appointment, “Mei Yan’s experience paired with her reputation as an astute and well-respected media executive makes her the perfect choice to lead our businesses in China. She brings a wealth of experience and an incredible track record of success to the organization, and I’m confident she’ll drive our brands to new heights in the mainland.”

“MTV Network’s pioneering inroads in China combined with the brand strength of MTV, SpongeBob, Dora the Explorer and Nickelodeon make this position uniquely challenging and exciting at the same time,” said Mei. “I’m looking forward to exploring new business opportunities and further tapping into the multiplatform potential these brands present in China. Viacom and MTV Networks have generated unrivalled success and momentum in the mainland, and I’m determined to keep this impressive trajectory moving forward.”

MTV Networks International’s president, Bob Bakish, added, “I’m confident Mei Yan will lead us to new and exciting partnerships in China, allowing us to further tap into the huge growth potential for youth-orientated brands like ours. Our long-term view of China focuses on building relationships and trust with our Chinese partners, and our philosophy of mutual respect makes Mei Yan the perfect ambassador to drive our China-based businesses forward.”