Mumbai: Sony Pictures Television International (SPTI) has appointed Sergey Plotnikov to the position of general manager of its newest network AXN SCI-FI. This network is present in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and Kazakhstan. Based in Moscow, Plotnikov will report to SPTI vice president, international networks, Tom Davidson.

Providing the best in US and international science fiction entertainment, AXN SCI-FI in Russia and across the CIS countries offers a fresh destination with a compelling blend of programming aimed at the 12 to 49 year old age group.

Programming on the network includes Lost and must-see sci-fi series such as the Stargate franchise, Star Trek: Enterprise, Star Trek: The Next Generation, Mutant X, Kyle XY and Andromeda as well as Hollywood blockbusters such as Armageddon and Unbreakable. Plotnikov will oversee the continued expansion of AXN SCI-FI throughout Russia and the CIS region as well as identify and develop other opportunities locally for SPTI’s networks operation.

Davidson said, "AXN SCI-FI has been a tremendously successful network in Russia and neighboring countries with close to two million viewers in just six months since its launch. Under Sergey’s guidance, we are focused on continued growth in our networks operation in the region through further carriage of AXN SCI-FI and through exploiting other opportunities in this very exciting market."

Prior to assuming his general manager role, Plotnikov was City TV CEO, an interactive pay TV platform in Russia which he founded and developed. Before City TV, he held the roles of MTU strategy & business development director and deputy CEO in Moscow, responsible for the development of its pay TV services and for the distribution of its own produced channels in Russia and in other CIS countries. He holds an MBA from London Business School.