MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Television International’s (SPTI) international networks group announced that Superna Kalle has been promoted to senior vice president with oversight of the group’s television networks business in India.

SPTI vice president international networks George Chien 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 president international networks Andy Kaplan.

"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.

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.

Chien, in his newly expanded position, 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.