Hong Kong / Sydney – FOX International Channels (FIC) Asia has announced that Jacqui Feeney will join FIC as Managing Director, Australia and New Zealand, from May 1, 2014. She succeeds Karen Simoncini, a long standing and respected executive of the network who has held senior posts with FIC and National Geographic Channels since 2000. Feeney will be based in Sydney and will work with Simoncini during a transition period before she departs the company later this year.
In her new role, Feeney will take over Simoncini’s leadership duties and oversee all aspects of FIC’s operations in Australia and New Zealand. She will work with her team on programming, marketing, advertising sales, finance and regulation in addition to building on relations with FIC’s affiliate partners, advertisers and regulators. She will report to Zubin Gandevia, President of FIC Asia Pacific and the Middle East.
Feeney brings with her over 12 years of leadership experience in Australia’s pay-TV industry, including her most recent role as Director of Presto (SVOD), Foxtel On-Demand and Movies Strategy at FOXTEL Management Limited, FIC’s key affiliate partner in Australia. She has also held many other senior positions at FOXTEL, such as Director of Foxtel Movies and SVOD; Head of Content Partnerships and General Manager of External Channels. Feeney has also served as the Chief Executive Officer of PAN TV Limited/World Movies Channel.
“We’ve always had a close relationship with FOXTEL and hold a deep level of respect for the way they operate. It is no surprise that a highly capable executive such as Jacqui comes from FOXTEL. We are delighted to have her join the FIC family and look forward to Jacqui furthering our great partnership with FOXTEL and Sky NZ on behalf of FIC,” said Zubin Gandevia, President of FOX International Channels Asia Pacific and the Middle East.
On Simoncini’s departure, Gandevia commented: “I’m going to miss Karin and her unique combination of creative, commercial and leadership skills. She has transformed our Australian business and leaves behind a rich legacy for us to build on. I have no doubt Karin will be successful no matter what she decides to pursue next and I wish her the very best.”
“I am a great fan of FIC’s programming and channel brands and have watched the organisation progress in recent years. I’m excited and energised by the challenge of joining a great team in Australia and a global outfit determined to make an even bigger mark,” said Feeney. “I’m forever grateful to Foxtel for the opportunity to contribute to a great many content innovations but now is the right time for me to return to the other side of the TV industry and lead FIC’s business in Australia and New Zealand.”
Feeney holds a Graduate Diploma of Business Administration from University of Technology Sydney, in Australia, and a Bachelor of Arts from Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia.
