Sony Pictures Television International Promotes Superna Kalle to Senior Vice President, International Networks; George Chien Expands Purview as Vice President, International Networks

Sony Pictures Television International Promotes Superna Kalle to Senior Vice President, International Networks; George Chien Expands Purview as Vice President, International Networks

CULVER CITY, Calif., March 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony Pictures Television International's (SPTI) international networks group announced today that Superna Kalle has been promoted to senior vice president with oversight of the group's television networks business in India, and Chien, vice president, international networks, expands his role to provide leadership to SPTI's international networks business in Southeast Asia and Japan, while working with Kalle on the Indian channels. Both are based at SPTI's global headquarters in Culver City, California, and report directly to Andy Kaplan, president, international networks.

"Rarely does one company have executives with the intelligence, foresight and dynamic skills that Superna and George have, and I'm thrilled to be able to give them expanded responsibilities," said Kaplan. "Superna has played an integral role in the growth of our channels business in India and we'll count on her expertise in the management of our businesses there. George has tremendous knowledge of our international networks business and will take on an expanded role in overseeing the continued growth of our businesses in Asia."

In her new position, Kalle will provide leadership to SPTI's television networks business in India, Multi Screen Media Private Limited (Multi Screen), which includes the channels Sony Entertainment Television (SET), MAX, SAB and PIX. She will work with each channel's management to ensure profitability and establish overall business priorities and new initiatives for the channels in the region. Kalle will also continue to expand the portfolio of Indian channels and content across multiple distribution platforms in the United States. Additionally, Kalle will sit on the board of TheOneAlliance, Multi Screen's distribution joint venture with Discovery Communications India.

Prior to her promotion, Kalle was SPTI's vice president, international networks, since 2005. She joined SPTI from parent company Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) where she was vice president, corporate development, since 2004. She joined SPE as manager, corporate development, in 1999. She was also an Associate at Bankers Trust Company and an Analyst at Morgan Stanley. She holds a B.A. in Economics from Barnard College, Columbia University and an M.B.A. in management from Leonard N. Stern School of Business, New York University.

In his newly expanded position, Chien will provide management support to SPTI's television networks in Asia, including AXN and Animax in Japan; AXN Asia, Animax Asia and SET based in Singapore; AXN and Animax in Korea; and AXN Beyond in the Philippines. He will also work with Kalle in providing leadership to SET, MAX, SAB and PIX in India. Additionally, he will assist in evaluating new expansion and acquisition opportunities in the region. Chien will sit on the board of AXN Japan, a joint venture with Jupiter TV.

Chien has served as vice president, international networks, since 2007 and was previously executive director, international networks. He joined SPTI in 2001 as manager, international networks, and was promoted to director in 2003. Prior to SPTI, he served as senior business consultant in the financial controls group for Walt Disney Pictures and Television. Additionally, Chien was a talent agent trainee at United Talent Agency in Los Angeles and was a senior auditor for Ernst & Young LLP in Miami, Florida. Chien holds a bachelor of business administration from the University of Miami and is a certified public accountant.

About Sony Pictures Television International

Sony Pictures Television International (SPTI) is the division of Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) responsible for all television business outside of the United States. SPTI operates three complementary lines of business: 1) distribution of SPE's feature films and television programming to television, mobile and digital content delivery outlets around the world, 2) local television production in key international markets, and 3) international television networks. In addition to being a leader in the distribution of current and classic U.S. and international films and television product worldwide, SPTI produces high profile, locally produced television in local languages. With dedicated offices in France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Miami (Latin America), the People's Republic of China, Russia, Spain and the United Kingdom, SPTI currently oversees production in nine regions of the world and is the leader in international television production among all major Hollywood studios. SPTI's worldwide television networks portfolio is a key strategy in the SPE's long-range commitment to the global marketplace, with almost 50 networks in more than 130 countries reaching over 300 million households worldwide. SPTI is a Sony Pictures Entertainment company.

    Contacts:     Ron Sato                      Gabriella Alaimo Thomas    +1 310 244 4687               +1 310 244 3538    ron_sato@spe.sony.com         gabriella_alaimo@spe.sony.com  

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FCMN Contact:

Source: Sony Pictures Television International

CONTACT: Ron Sato, +1-310-244-4687, ron_sato@spe.sony.com, or Gabriella
Alaimo Thomas, +1-310-244-3538, gabriella_alaimo@spe.sony.com, both of Sony
Pictures Television International

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Profile: International Entertainment