FIC Hires New Managing Director for Australia & New Zealand

HONG KONG/SYDNEY: FOX International Channels (FIC) Asia is bringing on Jacqui Feeney as managing director for Australia and New Zealand, as of May 1.

Feeney is replacing Karin Simoncini, who has held senior posts at FIC and National Geographic Channels since 2000. Feeney will be based in Sydney and will be working with Simoncini through a transition period prior to her start date. In the role, Feeney will be overseeing all aspects of FIC's operations in Australia and New Zealand. She will report to Zubin Gandevia, the president of FIC Asia Pacific and the Middle East.

Feeney has held a number of roles in the Australian pay-TV industry, including most recently serving as director of Foxtel's Presto SVOD service. She was also formerly the director of Foxtel Movies and SVOD, and once served as CEO of PAN TV Limited/World Movies Channel.

Gandevia commented: "We’ve always had a close relationship with Foxtel and hold a deep level of respect for the way they operate. It is no surprise that a highly capable executive such as Jacqui comes from Foxtel. We are delighted to have her join the FIC family and look forward to Jacqui furthering our great partnership with Foxtel and Sky NZ on behalf of FIC."
 
On Simoncini’s departure, Zubin said, “I’m going to miss Karin and her unique combination of creative, commercial and leadership skills. She has transformed our Australian business and leaves behind a rich legacy for us to build on. I have no doubt Karin will be successful no matter what she decides to pursue next and I wish her the very best.”
 
“I am a great fan of FIC’s programming and channel brands and have watched the organisation progress in recent years. I’m excited and energised by the challenge of joining a great team in Australia and a global outfit determined to make an even bigger mark,” said Feeney. “I’m forever grateful to Foxtel for the opportunity to contribute to a great many content innovations but now is the right time for me to return to the other side of the TV industry and lead FIC’s business in Australia and New Zealand.”