New York – A+E Networks has appointed John Flanagan as General Manager for The History Channel Japan Corp. (THCJ), a joint venture between A+E Networks and Super-Network, Inc. The announcement was made today by Edward Sabin, Executive Managing Director, International, A+E Networks and Akira Miyauchi, President, Super Network.

Underscoring its aggressive growth plans in Japan, A+E Networks increased its stake in the 15-year joint venture with Super Network from 50% to 80% in July 2016. Flanagan’s appointment will further bolster A+E Networks’ strategy in the market.
Based in Tokyo, Flanagan will be responsible for all business operations including revenues, channel programming, production, marketing, financial reporting and new business development. He is tasked with driving THCJ’s growth in the linear and digital space, working with A+E Network’s partners, distribution platforms and advertising clients. Flanagan will work closely with A+E’s management team in Asia to scale the presence of A+E brands in Japan and the region.
“John Flanagan is a talented executive whose decades of experience in cable TV, digital media and the retail marketplace are perfectly suited to maximizing THCJ’s growth as we continue grow our footprint throughout the region” said Sabin.
“We are thrilled to welcome Flanagan as our new GM and look forward to building on the success and momentum our channel has achieved over the past four years under the sage guidance of our current GM, Asia Ireton,” said Miyauchi. “I am extremely grateful for her remarkable service and the success she has brought to the channel.”
Flanagan comes to THCJ from Blackhawk Network Japan & Korea, where he served as President and Representative Director, responsible for expanding the company’s footprint and sales at top retailers in the region. Prior to Blackhawk, he held senior management positions in marketing at Amazon, Dyson and Apple in Japan. Flanagan joined Apple from 20th Century Fox where he was Vice President of Marketing, Japan, following his work as a senior marketing executive at Mediatti Communications in Japan. At Liberty Media, Flanagan was a leader on the launch team of J:COM, Japan’s largest MSO.