Fox Networks Group said it is reorganizing its international television unit, consolidating its international channels under regional hubs in Europe, Latin America and Asia, and adding that Fox International Channels CEO Hernan Lopez will leave the company to launch a new venture.
Under the new structure, Jan Koeppen will become president of Fox Networks Group Europe; Carlos Martinez will become president of Fox Networks Group Latin America; and Zubin Gandevia will become president of Fox Networks Group Asia. All will report to FNG CEO and chairman Peter Rice and FNG president and chief operating officer Randy Freer.
Koeppen, Martinez, and Gandevia will oversee Fox Network Groups’ 350-plus international entertainment, sports, factual and movie channels, which reach 1.8 billion people in 45 languages worldwide and include core channel brands FOX, FX, FOX Sports, FOX Life and National Geographic.
“As our television business expands globally, the success and scale of our entertainment and sports brands in these fast-growing regions demand that they stand independently,” rice said in a statement. “Jan, Carlos and Zubin are extremely talented executives with a sharp understanding of the opportunities for new content and programming in their regions.”
As part of the new management structure, the Fox International Channels banner will be discontinued, and Lopez will step down to launch a new venture, to be announced shortly.
“Hernan has been a driving force in the development of our global television strategy and in building our channels around the world,” Rice said in a statement. “He is one of the most talented and insightful executives I have worked with and we wish him the very best with his new venture.”
Lopez has been CEO of Fox International Channels since 2011. Prior to that, he served as president and COO of Fox International Channels, as president of Fox Latin American Channels and MD of FX UK. During his tenure at FIC, Fox International Channels reached $3 billion in annual revenue.
“At Fox, I’ve been fortunate to work with some of the most talented and creative people in media,” Lopez said in a statement. “I want to thank the several thousand employees and alumni of FIC, as well as Peter Rice, Chase Carey, James, Lachlan and Rupert Murdoch. I’ve been inspired by them and many colleagues throughout Fox, News Corp and Sky, and look forward to future collaborations as I embark on this next stage of my career.”
