The Story Lab names iflix exec as Asia Pac chief

The Story Lab, part of Dentsu Aegis Network’s media investment arm Amplifi, has appointed iflix exec Donovan Castillo-Mohlman to Asia Pacific president, effective immediately.

Castillo-Mohlman will now be responsible for driving initiatives in content development for clients, as well as building capabilities across distribution and investment in premium entertainment content.

He will also focus on cross-market collaboration and attempt to strengthen The Story Lab’s regional footprint by driving the launch of new offices.

Prior to his new role, Castillo-Mohlman was global director of content strategy at iflix and has worked extensively with international broadcasters such as NBCUniversal, AMC Networks International and Fox Broadcasting as well as local broadcasters StarTV and Mediacorp.

Sunil Yadav, president of Amplifi Asia Pacific, said: “Strengthening the content capability is a key focus for our group and Donovan is a great asset to lead The Story Lab in Asia Pacific.

“With his vast experience in content acquisition and original productions across digital, VOD, and broadcast platforms, he is best-placed to accelerate the growth of The Story Lab as a unique proposition for our clients and distribution partners.”

The Story Lab launched in January 2015, and has since staffed up with well known international TV executives in a bid to establish a new production and distribution player for the global market.

Castillo-Mohlmann said: “Dentsu Aegis Network’s unique operating model is a key driver for me to join this group. With tablets and mobile driving even shorter screen dwell-time, it has become more important for distribution channels to have engaging content.

“The Story Lab’s proposition of being a global investor, producer and distributor of premium content, places us at the unique intersection of leveraging data and creativity to deliver content solutions.”

Earlier this year, The Story Lab parent Dentsu Aegis Network, a global ad agency, bought into UK-based digital talent management firm Gleam Futures, which represents YouTube talent such as Zoella, Tanya Burr and Pixiwoo.