Fox restructures Asia, aims for China content

Fox International Channels Asia has rejigged its regional executive structure to ramp up opportunity in Japan, Korea and, in a newer focus, China.

Management in north Asia is being restructured as of September 1 to align with the new strategy, which is headlined up a major investment in the production of Chinese content.

Hong Kong and southeast Asia chief Joon Lee (pictured) moves to a new dual role as executive VP, north Asia and head of original productions, mainland China, and be focused on opportunities in Japan and Korea as well as increasing FIC Asia’s Chinese production business.

Simeon Dawes will take over some of Lee’s duties and P&L responsibilities in Hong Kong and southeast Asia, while continuing to oversee FIC’s Middle Eastern business and as sales across Asia Pacific. He will hold the titles EVP, advertising sales and partnerships and managing director, Hong Kong, southeast Asia and Middle East.

Lee and Dawes were upped to their current posts last year.

Keertan Adyanthaya is promoted to EVP, content and communications, Hong Kong and southeast Asia, making him responsible for content, channel operations and marketing in the region. He will focus on Hollywood and Chinese entertainment, and factual programming.

Rohit D’Silva remains in his post as EVP, commercial and sports. He will continue to run the FOX Sports Asia business, plus affiliate and content partnerships, and non-linear products. 21st Century Fox-owned FIC Asia partnered with South Korea’s JTBC to launch a FOX Sports channel in the country last month.

“Japan and Korea are two of the biggest media markets in our footprint,” said FIC Asia Pacific and Middle East president Zubin Gandevia. “In view of recent strategic partnerships we’ve forged in both countries, including with JTBC to launch JTBC3 FOX Sports in Korea and with Avex in Japan as part of an OTT offering, we see massive potential for further growth in these markets.

“Joon’s unique combination of experience – his familiarity with our businesses in both countries plus his proven leadership and creativity – will be invaluable in helping us to dive deeper in these markets.

“Keertan’s proven successes with content-driven initiatives will complement Simeon and Rohit’s ability to forge mutually beneficial partnerships with our advertisers and platform partners.  All four executives are proven leaders in FIC and will without a doubt propel our businesses in North and Southeast Asia to new heights.”