Sept. 19, 2023
The leading media company has appointed former BBC Studio exec Jon Penn as Managing Director, to lead to operations in APAC region. By: Theng Min Yee
Blue Ant Media, a leading media company, has established its presence in the Asia-Pacific region with a new office in Sydney, Australia. To spearhead operations in this strategic expansion, Jon Penn has been appointed as the Managing Director for the region.
Penn's role encompasses overseeing content sales and bolstering the distribution of Blue Ant Media's renowned global branded channels throughout the Asia-Pacific. This portfolio includes the highly regarded Love Nature brand and a bouquet of FAST channels, comprising NatureTime, HauntTV, Homeful, Love Pets, Total Crime, and HistoryTime.
Reporting directly to Carlyn Staudt, Head of Commissioning, Global Media and General Manager for Love Nature, along with Mark Bishop, Co-President of Blue Ant Studios, Jon Penn brings a wealth of experience to his new position. Prior to joining Blue Ant Media, Penn served as a partner at media VC-ACT Media Ventures. He also operated his own advisory business, collaborating with a diverse array of local and international media clients, providing strategic insights for business growth.
Working closely with Penn, Jason Soh has been appointed as VP of Distribution for Asia, based in Singapore. Soh's responsibilities encompass content sales, leading the distribution efforts for Love Nature, and driving the development of Blue Ant Media's FAST channel portfolio in Asia. He brings extensive industry experience from his previous role as Global Channels and Distribution Director for AsiaPac at WildBrain, as well as senior positions with WarnerMedia, HBO, Disney, and Nickelodeon.
Nick Solowski, Senior Director of International Sales and Acquisitions, will continue to oversee content sales across multiple regions, now reporting directly to Penn for business in the Asia-Pacific markets, which include China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand.
Joining Penn's team is Morgan Jacobson, who takes on the role of Senior Specialist for Programming and Affiliate Marketing for AsiaPac. Relocating from Love Nature's Washington D.C. office to Sydney, Jacobson will spearhead sales and affiliate marketing efforts for the region.
Carlyn Staudt, Head of Commissioning, Global Media and General Manager for Love Nature, expressed confidence in Jon Penn's leadership, highlighting his extensive experience in revenue growth and market expansion. She emphasized the wealth of knowledge and international sales expertise that Penn's team brings, marking a pivotal step in establishing a multifaceted sales hub in the Asia Pacific.
Jon Penn expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity to work with Blue Ant Media, citing the company's commitment to top-tier television content and innovative distribution strategies. He looks forward to leveraging his expertise to drive dynamic growth in the Asia-Pacific region.
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