Ward Platt Becomes COO of FIC, CEO of NGCI

LOS ANGELES: Ward Platt has been named chief operating officer of FOX International Channels (FIC) and CEO of National Geographic Channels International (NGCI), a promotion that sees him relocating to Los Angeles.

Platt has been serving as the president of Asia Pacific and the Middle East for FIC. He will now be working to further FIC’s growth plans around the world, along with overseeing international programming, marketing, operations, syndication and finance for the National Geographic Channels outside the U.S. Platt continues to report to Hernan Lopez, the president and CEO of FIC.

Zubin Gandevia, who is currently the COO of FIC Asia, has been elevated to the role of president. He continues to report to Platt, under a remit that spans 18 offices across the Asia Pacific and Middle East.

“I have been fortunate to work with Ward for the past 11 years,” said Lopez. “He has built our business in Asia from the ground up, turning it into a model in the region. I am delighted to have him step up to this new and expanded role.”

“It’s been a privilege to be part of a team of amazing people that have built FIC Asia into what it is today,” commented Platt. “FIC as a company is incredibly dynamic with a ‘can do’ culture and I am grateful for this opportunity to continue working alongside my colleagues to help Hernan take the FOX International Channels and National Geographic Channels International businesses to new heights."

“Zubin and I have had a great ride over the past 13 years working together to build the FIC Asia business along with a whole lot of help from many talented team members across our business,” said Platt. “I am truly delighted to be handing over the reins to Zubin and know he will do an outstanding job in his new role."

“I’ve had the privilege of working with Ward for 13 years and his leadership has been integral to the success in this region,” added Gandevia. “FIC Asia continues to grow at an unprecedented pace and I can’t think of a more fun and exciting business to be part of. I look forward to continuing Ward’s success and taking our business in this part of the world to the next level.”