MCNI CNE boost management team with Mares appointment

AMC Networks International – Central and Northern Europe has named Marcel Mares (left) as country manager, Czech Republic & Slovakia.

In his new role, Mares will oversee sales and operations in the Czech and Slovak territories where AMCNI CNE distributes 14 channels across the sport, film and series, kids and infotainment genres. Based in Czech capital Prague, he will be responsible for developing the company’s portfolio of brands and increasing profitability.

Mares is a business development expert with 20 years of experience in media and FMCG. Previously, at Discovery Communications – CEEMEA, he served as sales, distribution and business development manager for five years. In this role, he achieved full distribution for the networks’ portfolio of brands in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

In his new role, Mares will report to Balázs Hajós, VP of affiliate sales, AMCNI CNE, who said: “We are excited to have someone of Marcel’s calibre bring his strong business development expertise, excellent sales skills and strategic thinking to AMCNI CNE. His appointment will build on our growth trajectory in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.”

Mares’ arrival follows the recent announcement that AMCNI CNE has concluded an agreement to extend its partnership with M7 Group, one of Europe’s largest pay TV providers. The deal included the extension of the carriage agreement for Film+, AMC, Sport1, Sport2, JimJam, Minimax, TV Paprika and Spektrum for subscribers of Skylink in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. In addition to distribution via Skylink’s satellite platform, the channels were added to Skylink Live TV, allowing subscribers to enjoy the programming via mobile devices.