Singapore – A spokesperson has finally confirmed the departure of Christopher James, senior vice president and general manager of MTV Networks Southeast Asia. The position has been eliminated and will not be replaced. James has been with the company for thirteen years. When contacted by Television Asia Plus mid-December, MTV Networks spokesperson said that James was still with the company, dismissing the “rumour” that his tenure had been terminated. Spokesperson now says James’ exit is part of a wider restructuring – something previously denied despite a succession of high-level departures from the network. “(His) departure is part of the Viacom’s global realignment to reduce cost and realign resources. It’s in line with our newly implemented regionalization and creative strategy that will bring our creative teams together under one direction,” said a brief statement. Upon the September 2008 departure of Ian Stewart, senior vice president of MTV Networks International and Viacom Brand Solutions, MTV Asia LDC’s then executive vice president and managing director Amit Jain said there was “absolutely NO restructuring at MTV Asia. We are having a successful year with healthy revenue and income growth.” Jain was subsequently replaced by Indra Suharjono, who mid-December was promoted to executive vice president and managing director, MTV Networks Southeast Asia and Greater China. Jain “takes on special projects for MTVNI based out of Singapore,” said a statement. Viacom Brand Solution’s former senior regional director, Asia Pacific sponsorship and advertising, Salauddin Sinnakandu has just joined NBC Universal Global Networks as advertising sales director Asia Pacific. In Japan, Sammy Yoo succeeds Peter Bullard as executive vice president and managing director of MTV Networks Japan and Korea. End-June 2008 saw the sudden exit of Li Yifei, executive vice president and managing director of MTV Networks China.