A+E Networks Restructures Asian Management Team

Alan Hodges is exiting his post as managing director of the Asia Pacific at A+E Networks, with Saugato Banerjee tapped to run North Asia and Leena Singarajah joining the company to oversee Southeast Asia and Australia.

Banerjee, as managing director for North Asia, and Singarajah, managing director for Southeast Asia and Australia, both report to Edward Sabin, executive managing director for international at A+E Networks. Singarajah was most recently at Scripps Networks, where she oversaw the company’s brands in the region.

“Leena is an aggressive, experienced and whip-smart executive whose vast knowledge of the industry and acute business skills will help extend the reach of the A+E Networks on every entertainment platform throughout Southeast Asia and Australia,” said Sabin.

“I am thrilled to be joining the team at A+E Networks and to lead the continued expansion of the company’s globally recognized brands in these exciting markets,” said Singarajah.

Banerjee has been with A+E Networks since 2011 as head of strategy and business development for Asia. He will continue to manage growth in Korea and Japan and will chart A+E’s continued expansion in China. “Saugato has brought to bear his excellent relationships and deft strategic vision to our Japanese and Korean businesses, driving A+E’s unparalleled innovation and strong execution in the region,” Sabin said. “I am excited to see him apply these unique skills to the further growth of our Chinese business. We anticipate great success under his sage guidance and leadership.”

“Expanding my role in North Asia is a welcome challenge as we forge ahead to optimize the media landscape,” said Banerjee. “This is truly an exciting stage in A+E Networks’ evolution and I am pleased to be working with such a talented group of executives, in market and internationally.”

Hodges has been with A+E Networks in Asia since 2002. “Over the past 12 years, our team has built A+E Networks into one of the top media companies in the region. It has been a privilege working on such a dynamic business with such a talented team. I leave with full confidence that our new leadership will be well positioned for another decade of growth.”

Prem Kamath, deputy managing director, is also exiting A+E Networks. He will remain with the company through the end of October before moving on to pursue opportunities in the digital space.

“Alan Hodges has been a pioneer in A+E’s Asia Pacific business, with big shoes to fill,” Sabin said. “In a little over a decade, he has nurtured and grown A+E’s brands in the region and has in the process created tremendous value for us commercially.  He has also attracted, mentored and led countless top rank executives in the A+E fold, including Prem, who will also leave behind a legacy of great successes in the region.”