LOS ANGELES: QYOU Media Inc Monday announced that it has named former president of Sony Pictures Worldwide Networks, Andy Kaplan, as chairman of the board of directors for QYOU India Pvt, a newly formed localized content arm of the digital-first media channel.
QYOU India delivers video content to an audience of over 185 million mobile and TV subscribers, an official release states.
As chairman of the board of QYOU India, Kaplan’s mandate is to leverage his “extensive experience in leading television networks to success in local territories and work toward QYOU India becoming a premier destination for the very best original, digital-first content in India”.
Kaplan will also take a board observer position in parent company, QYOU Media, supporting development of the QYOU brand worldwide.
A media and entertainment veteran, Kaplan was one of three top executives who exited SPT Networks following a major management rehaul that was carried out by SPT chairman Mike Hopkins, three months after he came on board from streaming service Hulu.
Kaplan spemt 31 years in all at Sony Pictures Entertainment, 16 leading its global television networks and related investments. It was under Kaplan’s watch that Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) became one of the largest media businesses in the rapidly growing Indian market, notable among them being the groundbreaking initial ten year deal for the broadcasting rights to the Indian Premier League and the acquisition of Ten Sports from rival network Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd.
“Digital-first video content and mobile video consumption are shaking up the entire TV ecosystem due to huge demand from millennial and generation z audiences. India boasts a highly developed TV market and upwardly mobile audience, with viewers showing a huge appetite for new and exciting types of content. In just a few short years, QYOU Media has made inroads into the Indian market to become a go-to destination for digital-first content for TV audiences, forging relationships with some of the major TV providers. I am delighted to have the opportunity to support QYOU India to continue this success and replicate it in other fast-growth markets,” said Kaplan.
Curt Marvis, CEO and co-founder of QYOU Media, commented: “Over the past year, QYOU Media has built and maintained momentum with Q India. Andy’s appointment is important to shaping the next stage of our growth by offering strategic insight and a deep knowledge of the Indian TV market.”
The appointment follows the announcement in March that Lionsgate’s recently retired Co-COO Steve Beeks had joined QYOU Media’s board of directors.
