New CEO at Viki

The streaming service Viki, which is home to an array of Korean and Taiwanese dramas, has promoted digital media exec Joanne Waage to CEO.

Waage has been serving as Viki’s senior VP of partnerships and programming and was previously an executive at MobiTV and Viacom. Waage will take over the position from Tammy H. Nam, who remains an advisor to both Viki and parent company Rakuten.

“I’m thrilled to be assuming the leadership position at Viki,” said Waage. “I look forward to leading this young and dynamic company by leveraging our unrivaled understanding of fandom and engagement. Our mission is to bring global entertainment to new fans everywhere and continue breaking down barriers along the way.”

“Rakuten’s Viki has empowered individuals around the world to bridge cultures and build communities through great entertainment and, under Tammy’s leadership, established itself as a leader in innovative global TV streaming services,” said Rakuten’s founder and CEO, Mickey Mikitani. “Now, with a renewed focus on diversified programming and creative product features, Joanne and her team are ready to take Rakuten’s Viki into a new and exciting chapter of global entertainment.”

“We are expanding our reach into original production with the award-winning Dramaworld and 5 Year, a K-entertainment and Hollywood co-production series, which is being produced in partnership with Skybound Entertainment, the powerhouse behind The Walking Dead,” said Waage. “With a focus on innovative new models for original content and groundbreaking products and features, we’re ready to take Viki to the next level.”

Viki offers a wide range of subtitled series and movies, from Bollywood and anime to K-pop entertainment. The global TV site features content in more than 200 languages.