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Multi-platform video specialists Switch Media have again boosted their company by expanding their video-on-demand (VOD) development teams in Sydney and Mumbai.

Switch Media CEO Christopher Stenhouse explained, “Our development teams are in Sydney and Mumbai as this is the best way to capitalise on local expertise and requirements. India has a greater focus on live events and Australia emphasises VOD. As a result, it’s the VOD team that’s developing here, and the live skills team in India. Meanwhile as our business is growing we’ve added more developers to both teams.”

As well as Australia and India Switch Media, the company behind AUSTAR’s AnyWhere subscription-based video-on-demand service, also has clients across the globe and according to Stenhouse this trend is continuing.

He added, “Our business is diverse across all areas where video needs to be managed and delivered to multiple devices and platforms. We stream the weekly horse racing at the Royal Western Indian Turf Club in Mumbai and Pune, with over 65,000 viewers watching the races each month. By comparison, the focus in Australia on VOD means that we were recently asked to design, build and launch the Australian Financial Review’s TV service on the iPhone.”

Visit http://www.switch.tv

The Chief Executive of FOXTEL, Richard Freudenstein, has announced that it will be combining its consumer sales and marketing functions under the leadership of Ed Smith, formally Group Marketing Director of News Limited, who is joining as Executive Director, Sales and Marketing.

Mr Freudenstein said, “Having worked closely with Ed for the past five years at News Limited, I know he is perfectly suited to the role. He led the transformation of the company’s marketing function and played a key role in the build and launch of its digital subscription platform and products.”

“Our Director of Marketing Chantal Walker has done an excellent job in re-energising FOXTEL’s marketing team and producing creative and clear marketing campaigns that are connecting strongly with consumers.  Marco Miranda, FOXTEL’s Director of Sales, has also done an excellent job in driving FOXTEL’s sales during a period of extreme consumer caution. Chantal and Marco will report to the newly created combined consumer and business marketing and sales position,” said Mr Freudenstein.

Ed Smith said, “I am thrilled to be given the opportunity to work with Richard at FOXTEL and to take what I know about sales and marketing to FOXTEL as it continues to offer choice and control to Australians over their television viewing as well as offering a really remarkable range of broadcasting firsts.”

Mr Smith joined News Limited in January 2007 as Chief Executive of carsguide.com.au. Later that year he was appointed News Digital Media’s Chief Commercial Officer and in 2009 he was promoted to Chief Executive Officer, Content and Commercial. Mr Smith joined News Limited from St. George bank, where as Head of Retail Segments, he bought together and led the retail marketing for cards, personal lending, deposits and e-channels.

Visit http://www.foxtel.com.au

The Playroom has announced that it has launched its new Transmedia Services Division and hired two new digital specialists in the process.

The new Transmedia Services division is headed up by The Playroom Digital Media Director Cora Spear who said, “The Playroom Transmedia Services Division is our digital experience engine room and offers a number of services. We are predominantly working with clients to extend their content IP across digital platforms and also developing and extending brands into new platforms and experiences.”

As a result of the Transmedia Services Division launch The Playroom has hired Mitch Harris (previously with EA Games) as Digital Creative Director and Magnus Morris (previously with Cummins Nitro) as Lead Developer.

Spear continued, “Getting Mitch and Magnus, our two new digital specialists, means we can extend our digital services offering to Australian content makers. We are already designing and developing projects that extend the commercial opportunities for film and television properties across digital platforms, including App development for connected TV’s and tablets.”

The new team will work closely with head of IPTV at the Playroom, Scott-Bradley Pearce who says, “Consumption of IPTV based content is quickly moving to television and mobile based apps, and with the addition of this new team we are able to provide our clients the opportunity to innovate and extend their audience reach to capitalise further on their content.”

Visit http://www.theplayroom.tv

The National Archives has welcomed David Fricker, who took up his role as the new Director-General in January. He comes to the Archives from the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) where he was Deputy Director-General, Corporate and Strategy.

David began his career at the Australian Customs Service in 1979 after completing a BA in Computing Studies. He later moved to the private sector, joining Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC) in 1987, as a Senior Consultant and Account Manager.

In 1993 David founded Business Synetics, a consultancy company providing services to a broad range of federal government agencies. He left the company in 2002 to join ASIO as it was embarking on an extraordinary period of growth and change.

Visit http://www.naa.gov.au

Integrated Microwave Technologies, LLC (IMT), a Business Unit within the Vitec Group’s Videocom Division, and a leader in advanced digital microwave systems serving the Broadcast, MAG (Military, Aerospace & Government) and Sports & Entertainment markets, is pleased to announce that Kokseng (KS) Tan has been appointed to the position of regional sales manager, Asia. He is based in Singapore and reports to Stuart Harvey, IMT international sales director.

In his new role, Tan will be responsible for defining sales strategies and supporting business partners and resellers in the Asia market. He will ensure that budget goals for sales volumes and profitability are reached and that the company’s market share continues to increase.

“KS is a highly motivated, numbers-driven sales professional, and we are pleased to have him join the IMT team,” says Integrated Microwave Technologies Divisional Chief Executive Stephen Shpock. “His strong business acumen, experience and passion for the industry will help IMT’s Asian market continue to flourish.”

With a focus on government, police, military and operations, Tan has more than a decade of experience in regional business and channel development in the APAC telecom industry. He assumes his new position after spending the past three years with Solectek Corporation, where he held the position of director of sales, Asia.

Visit http://www.imt-broadcast.com

Tiffen International Ltd has announced the appointment of Mr Alex Chelleri to the position of Director of Sales, Northern Asia. Based in Hong Kong, Alex will join Sydney-based Brett Smith in servicing the Asia Pacific region with additional sales and support provided by Tiffen’s UK export office and US manufacturing base and headquarters.

Originally from Australia, Alex joins Tiffen with a wealth of experience in broadcast distribution, having spent 17 years in Hong Kong working for companies including Dynatech, Scitex Digital Video, Accom, Leitch, Quantel, Pro-Bel and Pebble Beach.

“Tiffen’s export customer base is expanding rapidly,” explains Terry Carey, Tiffen International’s Managing Director, “Alex’s experience in this region gives us the ability to rapidly respond to the needs of our distribution partners and customers throughout Northern Asia.”

Visit http://www.tiffen.com

Diamond has announced the appointment of Dr. Steven Trpkovski as National Sales Manager for Australia regions as of 1st January 2012.

Due to his background and experience in photonic applications and industries, and being based in Melbourne, Victoria, Dr. Trpkovski can provide rapid and valuable technical support as well as local commercial assistance to all our customers and resellers.

The transition to an appointed National Sales Manager is the latest strategic investment to consolidate and further expand Diamond’s award winning and long standing product portfolio. The combination of Dr Trpkovski’s skills with current Diamond products and solutions significantly advances Diamond’s presence in Australia.

Visit http://www.diamond-fo.com

Amidst growing demand for its high-definition (HD) live production and distribution technologies among Chinese broadcasters and video professionals, Grass Valley has named Robert Song as its new General Manager for China.
With more than15 years experience in Broadcast and ProAV industries, Song — who will be based in Beijing — will oversee Grass Valley’s business activities in China, where he will redefine and align the distribution model, as well as  implement new strategies to better serve its customers locally, based on Grass Valley’s long term strategies.
In addition to his new position, Song will continue to serve as Sales Director of desktop and professional channels for the Company’s entire Asia Pacific (APAC) region.
“China is a very important market for Grass Valley and I will work to improve the experience for our new and existing customers by offering the best products and services,” said Song. “My overall goal is to expand market share and strengthen Grass Valley’s position across China.”
Song joined Grass Valley in 2005 during the Company’s acquisition of Canopus (and its EDIUS product line) and since then has successfully grown Grass Valley’s desktop editing business into one of the leading suppliers of professional editing systems (EDIUS), desktop editing products (STORM™ 3G and STORM 3G Elite ), and digital video deck (T2 iDDR) across the region.
Song earned his MBA degree from Peking University.
Visit http://www.grassvalley.com

Nicole Dade has joined Screen Australia’s Development team as a Development Executive in the Sydney office. Nicole has 12 years’ experience working in development, production, commissioning and emerging talent. Until recently she was Head of Development at Atlantic Film Group and was previously Head of Production and Development for UK regional screen agency Screen South. More info.
Kyas Sherriff is Screen Australia’s new Investment/Development Manager in the Indigenous Department. Kyas has been working in the arts industry for over 10 years. She is a professional theatre/TV/film actor. After completing the Lester Bostock Indigenous Mentorship she wrote and directed two short films, Feel My Absence and The Crane. With a longstanding theatre background Kyas has been a reader for the PlayWriting Australia and performed at three conferences. Always connected to community, Kyas worked at the Arts Law Centre of Australia as the Indigenous Liaison Officer involved with Artists in the Black.
After six years with the AFC and Screen Australia, Documentary Investment/Development Manager Claire Jager will be leaving Screen Australia on 1 March 2012. A well known industry figure for her work both as a producer and an executive in many industry institutions, Claire has made a lasting contribution to documentary in Australia.
“Claire’s insight and experience, particularly her support for emerging talent, have made a huge impact on documentary filmmaking during her time with the agency and we wish her well in her new endeavours,” said Screen Australia’s Head of Production Investment, Ross Matthews.
Visit http://www.screenaustralia.gov.au

OASYS, the pioneering developer of IT-based automated playout solutions, has appointed Nick Lim as Director, Americas and Asia Pacific Sales, effective immediately. Based in the United States, Mr Lim will be responsible for expanding OASYS’ distribution network and developing sales opportunities in the target territories.

Mr Lim has over 30 years of sales and marketing experience in the IT and television industries, working for companies such as IBM, Dynatech, Pluto Technologies, SeaChange and Front Porch Digital. Most recently, he operated his own marketing consultancy, representing manufacturers in content management and distribution, including OASYS. Mr. Lim’s speciality is the development of worldwide sales and marketing infrastructure.

Mark Errington, CEO, OASYS, said, “We’re delighted to welcome Nick to the OASYS team. He already knows our company and products, having represented us in the Middle East. His knowledge of the industry and the global markets will enable us to expand our presence in the Americas, Asia Pacific and the Middle East.”

Nick Lim said, “Throughout my career, I have contributed to the growth of technology innovators who create new paradigms in functionality and value. OASYS, with its 20 years in business, continues to innovate, providing broadcasters a powerful, compelling and flexible platform to reach their audiences.”

Visit http://www.oasys.com