May 14, 2024
CNN International Commercial (CNNIC) made three significant appointments to its Asia Pacific leadership team as part of its ongoing expansion efforts in the region. Karen Lay joins as Director of Commercial Distribution, Asia Pacific, Sally Young returns to CNN in a leadership role driving CNN’s advertising sales operations with a renewed focus on Greater China among other key markets. Additionally, Kimmy Ho has been promoted to Senior Director, Content Sales & Licensing. By: K Dass.
Hong Kong - Karen Lay, the newly appointed
Director of Commercial Distribution for Asia Pacific, will be based in
Singapore. Her primary role involves spearheading CNNIC’s distribution to
non-residential customers, including hotels and businesses across the region. With
CNN already widely distributed in hotels, airlines, and other commercial
partners, Lay will strengthen existing partnerships and establish new
relationships, bringing fresh content and product offerings to the market.
Sally Young, with over two decades of experience
working in Asia, returns to CNN in a leadership role. Based in Hong Kong, she
will focus on driving CNN’s advertising sales operations, with a renewed
emphasis on Greater China and other key markets. Young aims to develop
strategic partnerships and foster relationships with clients and agencies by
creating global and regional campaigns that engage CNN audiences, leveraging
CNNIC’s extensive creative, data, and content solutions.
Kimmy Ho, who has demonstrated success with CNN’s
affiliate partners in China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, has been promoted to Senior
Director of Content Sales & Licensing. In her expanded role, she will
oversee content sales in all Southeast Asia markets, including the continued
expansion of CNN Academy initiatives to train the next generation of
journalists.
Commenting on
the team expansions, Cathy Ibal, Senior Vice President, CNN International
Commercial, said: “These appointments mark a pivotal addition to our sales
leadership team, dedicated to delivering unparalleled cross-platform solutions
fueled by data, content, insights, and creativity. I am delighted to welcome
Sally back to our team, leveraging her extensive industry expertise and
demonstrated success in driving sales growth across the APAC region. This
appointment aligns with our strategic focus on Asia, and I am confident that
her contribution will add considerable value to the way that advertising
partners in the region can work with CNN.”
Humphrey
Black, Vice President, Distribution, CNN International Commercial, added:
"I am pleased to have Karen joining our team as she brings a wealth of
expertise from esteemed tenures at prominent entertainment and sports entities.
At a time when there is such competition for consumers’ attention, CNN offers
hotels, airlines and other partners authentic and impactful content packages
that add to the customers experience and can provide a competitive edge.
Karen's proven track record of monetising content and her vision for regional
expansion align seamlessly with CNNIC's growth objectives.”