Steve Marcopoto to Exit Turner Asia

HONG KONG: Steve Marcopoto, who has run Turner Broadcasting’s operations in Asia since 1998, is exiting the company once his contract ends in December.

Marcopoto, president and managing director of Turner International Asia Pacific, has overseen the company’s growth from a single pan-regional channel to a portfolio of 36 networks across the region in multiple languages. The news of his exit comes following a significant restructuring of Turner’s Asian operations, announced in June.

Marcopoto will remain as a consultant to Gerhard Zeiler, president of Turner Broadcasting System International, through a transition period. A successor has not yet been named.

“I thank Steve for his outstanding achievements in his 15 years with Turner Broadcasting," Zeiler said. "Steve has guided Turner Asia Pacific through a period of rapid change. Under his exceptional leadership Turner went from broadcasting two networks in the region to 36 channels today along with a vast variety of digital and off-channel commerce activities. In an increasingly competitive environment, he has maintained our leadership position in news and kids’ channels, forged entry into new territories and built great partnerships.”

Marcopoto commented: "Turner is poised for a great run and now is the best moment for the company to put a fresh set of hands in charge. I am very proud of the growth of our business while I’ve had the privilege of holding this role. I want to deeply thank each member on the team that has made all this happen while maintaining a high-spirited culture of collaboration, innovation and optimism. It feels right to initiate the handover now as I complete 15 years in this job, and I intend to hand over Turner Asia Pacific to my successor in an optimal state.”