A+E poaches ESPN Star exec to drive growth in Asia

A+E Networks has hired Saugato Banerjee as director, strategy and business development for Asia. He joins from Disney and News Corp-backed sports broadcaster ESPN Star.

Banerjee will be based in Singapore and head up business development initiatives in the Asia Pacific region. He will report to Alan Hodges, A+E Networks’ managing director, Asia Pacific.

While at ESPN Star, Banerjee launched several channels including ESPNEWS and ESPN HD as well as the online ESPN Player.

Prior to ESPN Star, he was at the Asian division of news channel operator CNBC.

“We are aggressively moving to expand the footprint of our channel brands into new territories throughout the Asia-Pacific region, via both traditional linear television channels and on digital media platforms,” said Hodges. “Shoggy’s experience, energy and wisdom are great assets as we chart our next phase of growth in Asia Pacific.”