Fox Cable Networks has elevated long-time affiliate executive Michael Biard.
A 10-year Fox Cable veteran, Biard, who most recently was serving as head of national accounts, is now executive vice president, affiliate sales and marketing.
Biard oversees distribution of FCN's more than 35 domestic television networks and their non-linear extensions by all of the major cable, satellite, and telco operators. He directs the business strategy and negotiations with the major distributors and works closely with Fox Digital Media on wide-ranging, multi-media distribution activities.
Biard has played an integral role in the growth of FCN, including the successful acquisition and launch of several networks such as Big Ten Network, National Geographic Channel, Speed, Fule TV, Fox Soccer Channel, Fox College Sports, Fox Reality Channel. He is also involved with the upcoming Nat Geo Wild, (Fox Reality will be converted this spring) and Fox Soccer Plus, which kicks off March 1.
"Mike is a brilliant negotiator with a profound understanding of how to solve complex issues and create workable frameworks for dealing with future challenges," said Mike Hopkins, president, affiliate sales and marketing, to whom he will continue to report.
"He provides wise direction as the leader of our national account teams, and has made vast contributions to the success of our business."
Biard joined Fox as director of affiliate business affairs in 2000, before serving as vice president of affiliate business affairs in 2001-2002. He transitioned to national accounts in 2002. He was promoted to senior vice president, national accounts in 2006 and assumed his role as head of national accounts in 2007.
