Televisa Appoints New Co-CEOs as Emilio Azcárraga Jean Steps Down

Televisa has appointed Bernardo Gomez and Alfonso de Angoitia as co-CEOs, while Emilio Azcárraga Jean steps down from the role but will remain executive chairman of the board.

Azcárraga, who has been at the helm for 20 years, will continue to have direct responsibility for Televisa’s soccer business, including the America soccer team, as well as for Fundación Televisa. These changes will take effect on January 1, 2018.

Gomez and de Angoitia were instrumental in the successful restructuring of Televisa’s capital structure when the new control group, led by Azcárraga, took over the company in 1997. Since 2000, they have been key in the growth and profitability of the company. Gomez joined the company in 1998 and was most recently serving as executive VP of Grupo Televisa. He has been a member of the board of directors of the company since 1999. De Angoitia joined the company in 1999 and was serving as executive VP of Grupo Televisa. He has been a member of the board of directors of the company since 1997.

In addition to these changes, effective immediately, Salvi Folch, formerly CFO of Grupo Televisa, will become VP of strategic planning. Carlos Ferreiro will become VP of finance, and Jose Antonio Lara will become VP of administration.

Azcárraga said: “Our industry is undergoing a massive transformation, presenting us with big challenges, but even bigger opportunities. For over two decades, and through some critical business moments, Bernardo and Alfonso have been driven and passionate executives who have outgrown their current roles at the company. Their new leadership roles will allow me to focus on the Company’s long-term strategy.”

He added: “I have tremendous faith in their capabilities and I am confident that Televisa will continue to strengthen its presence as one of Mexico’s fastest growing telecom providers and as the leading Spanish-language content producer worldwide, driving value for our shareholders.”

Gomez and de Angoitia stated: “We are honored to be given the opportunity to take on this new role, and grateful to Emilio and the board for the trust they place in us. Under the leadership of Emilio, Televisa has assembled and developed a very unique set of assets, which we intend to leverage while continuing to drive strong growth in content and telecom services. We look forward to jointly leading Televisa and positioning the company to excel in this rapidly changing competitive environment.”