Indiantelevision.com Team

(7 February 2007 6:00 pm)

MUMBAI: National Geographic Channels International (NGCI) has promoted Rafael Sandor to senior VP, creative and marketing.

It has also hired Stephen Hunter as senior executive producer and Jennifer Williams as director, digital media.

NGCI executive VP content Sydney Suissa says, “Rafa’s unique insight on creative direction will provide NGCI with a fresh, multi-lateral approach. His artistic vision, his energy, and his international experience will make him an invaluable asset, as we continue to take National Geographic to new frontiers and platforms”.

Sandor will continue to perform his responsibilities as senior VP, creative and on air for Fox International Channels (FIC) in Europe. In this position, he has been part of the small management team that started the successful Fox International Channels Italy and the creative head behind Fox Life, Fox Crime, Cult and the DVB-H channel Fox One.

Hunter meanwhile will oversee production and post production of programmes commissioned by NGCI. He will provide creative and strategic direction to producers and global partners for NGCI signature series, events, specials and versioning projects. Hunter will ensure each venture is consistent with the mission, strategy and objectives of NGCI and the National Geographic Society.

Prior to joining NGCI, Hunter most recently served as Vice President of Programming with Cineflix Inc. During his tenure, Cineflix went from a small Canadian indie producing some 30 hours of programming a year to one with an extensive international footprint, totalling upwards of 120 hours per year.

NGCI senior VP development and production Geoff Daniels says, “As we continue to extend the reach of our content, Stephen will offer us considerable depth, creativity and managerial experience that will further enhance our broad range of programming”.

Williams will manage the planning, development and coordination of non-linear services and content internationally. An integral part of this position will be identifying new business opportunities emerging on non-linear platforms including Video on Demand (VOD), Broadband, Mobile and Interactive TV.

Williams comes to NGCI after more than five years with the National Geographic Channel US (NGC US). She served as director, programming, acquisitions and scheduling from 2002 until 2007, where she provided direction on programme planning and deal points for programme acquisitions. She also played a role in creative and strategic marketing decisions for on-air specials and stunts. Her programme scheduling strategy contributed to steady ratings growth throughout her tenure with NGC US.