Mumbai: Walt Disney Television International, India (WDTVI) has named Venkat Ramana as the Head of Affiliate Relations for India and South Asia. The announcement was made by WDTVI SVP and managing director Antoine Villeneuve. Ramana will report to Antoine Villeneuve and work closely with Disney ABC International Television (Asia Pacific) SVP and managing director Rob Gilby at the regional level in Hong Kong.

In this role, Venkat would oversee affiliate relations across India including analog cable, and extending to devising and implementing a strategy for digital networks. He will be instrumental in managing the distribution relationship, trade marketing on the affiliate side as well as looking after the interest of Disney channels in the South-Asia markets including Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan. He will drive the future distribution strategy for the channels, language strategy and exploring expansion opportunities in newer markets.

Villeneuve said, "Venkat Ramana has been a key member of our business since the launch phase and brings with him a strong understanding of the Disney brand. We are confident that in his new leadership role, Venkat will propel our business efforts in this emerging marketplace."

Ramana joined Disney in December 2004 in Bangalore. After successfully launching and establishing Disney channels in the competitive southern region, he moved to Disney’s Mumbai office in early 2007 to spearhead the affiliate initiatives at a national level. Prior to his association with Disney, Venkat held key responsibilities for the southern markets networks development for MTV and before that at Zee TV.