iflix has named Jonas Engwall as its head of Asia. Meanwhile, iflix’s former head of Asia David Goldstein will shift to a new role as non-executive chairman of iflix Asia working closely with iflix group CEO, Mark Britt. With more than 14 years’ experience in broadcasting and television, Engwall brings extensive expertise and a proven track record for leading business growth and international expansion.
As founding CEO of RTL CBS Asia Entertainment Network, he spearheaded the launch of two of the company’s channels across 19 Asian markets. He previously served as vice president at RTL Group Asia (RTL), where he led the group’s expansion into India and Asia, which included the launch of RTL’s Indian Channel. Prior to RTL, he was instrumental in the expansion of Modern Times Group’s free-to-air television business into emerging markets in Eastern Europe, according to iflix in a statement.
iflix co-founder and group CEO, Mark Britt said, “We love Engwall’s reputation in the industry as both a disruptor and innovator. He will be critical to deepening our distribution relationships and continuing to evolve our product through Asia.’’
Engwall added, “The team has done an exceptional job over the last two and half years to establish the company’s leadership position throughout the region. I am thrilled to join iflix as we enter the next stage of growth and transformation, with a focus on innovating the iflix service, drawing from the best of both video on demand and linear television in its evolution as the future of Pay TV. I am incredibly excited to be at the forefront of this change and help lead that charge.”
The video streaming company has been actively expanding in its key emerging markets and is now available to over one billion consumers across 21 territories throughout Asia, the Middle East and Africa. iflix announced that its tying up with Walt Disney Company which earlier said it plans to pull content out of Netflix and launch its own streaming service. The latest deal allows iflix’s consumers to start showing the studio’s films across Southeast Asia. This will include Disney’s biggest films, which will now be incorporated onto iflix’s streaming platform offering three new Disney-branded channels.
