A&E Television Networks has appointed Dean Possenniskie as MD, Europe. He will assume this role the second half of 2010.
Based in London, Possenniskie will be responsible for overseeing and growing AETN’s interests in channels, content distribution and digital media activities within the UK, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Possenniskie will report to Sean Cohan, senior VP, International for AETN.
Possenniskie joins AETN from BBC Worldwide where he has served as SVP & general manager, Channels EMEA. At BBCWW, he was responsible for building and managing the EMEA channels portfolio. Previously, he was general manager & VP at MTVNI where he developed the Emerging Markets Group into one of the company’s top growth divisions.
AETN currently distributes seven channel brands in EMEA across pay and non-linear platforms, including HISTORY, BIO, Crime & Investigation Network, and Military History. AETN boasts ventures and 20+ channels throughout EMEA: in the UK, the Benelux, Scandinavia, Central & Eastern Europe, Greece, the Middle East, Africa, German-speaking Europe, Iberia, Italy, Turkey, and Israel.
“Dean has a unique track record of building successful European channel operations and we are very pleased to have him join our team,” said Cohan in a statement. “AETN has experienced tremendous international growth over the past three years. Dean will play a critical leadership role in helping drive further expansion and diversification throughout EMEA during our next phase of growth.”
“AETN is a global leader in the creation of diverse programming of the highest quality which continues to expand its reach with international viewers across all media platforms, and I’m excited to join the team,” said Possenniskie.
