SPTI Names European Exec VP for International Networks

LONDON, May 7: Sony
Pictures Television International (SPTI) has upped Ross Hair to executive VP of
international networks for Europe, with continuing responsibility for expanding
business outside of the company’s London headquarters.

Reporting to Andy Kaplan, SPTI's president of international
networks, and John McMahon, the president and managing director of SPTI for
Europe, Hair’s responsibilities
include the management of all SPTI’s network activities in Europe, the Middle
East and Africa. His oversight includes AXN, SET and Animax, as well as the
company’s channel investments in HBO Central Europe. Hair joined the company in
2001 as the VP of international networks, and has served as the senior VP of
the division since 2005.

“Ross has
played a significant role in our expansion efforts and we rely heavily on his
knowledge as we grow our networks business,” said Kaplan. “Under his guidance,
we have launched new channels most recently in important markets like Germany,
Italy, Spain and Portugal and in emerging new markets such as the CIS countries
and in Africa. Ross has also overseen the increased distribution of our
existing channels particularly in Central Europe, which has further driven
revenue growth in the region both from subscription fees and from advertising.”

Added McMahon:
“Our networks business continues to gain momentum across Europe, under Ross’s
stewardship. As traditional television audiences become more and more
fragmented, our networks team, guided by Ross, is now engaging with a diverse
range of channel partners across satellite, cable and IPTV. In a changing TV
landscape, Ross has led a successful strategy of high quality, compelling TV
viewing that resonates with viewers and commands their loyalty.”

—By
Kristin Brzoznowski