FOX Asia appoints new leader for National Geographic channels

FOX Networks Group Asia has announced Andy Baek will take over a new dual role as head and vice president of its National Geographic channels.

Effective immediately, Baek will be responsible for overseeing the channel team operations, including programming, production, acquisition and strategy. He will also continue in his current position as FOX Network Group Asia’s Head and vice president of Hollywood movie channels, —looking after regional channel brands such as FOX Movies, FOX Action Movies, FOX Family Movies and Star Movies — and will also maintain his direct reporting line to Keertan Adyanthaya, executive vice president, content and communications, FOX Networks Group Asia.

Starting as a Channel Manager and launching FOX and FX Korea in 2007/08, Baek became head of Hollywood entertainment channels in 2010 before moving into the role of Vice President of Hollywood entertainment channels in 2013. Under his leadership, FOX has regarded itself as the leading general entertainment brand in Southeast Asia with FOX Movies in particular claiming to have outperformed rivals in the region such as HBO.

Commenting on his new role, Baek said: “Moving to National Geographic channels is a fantastic opportunity to support FOX Networks Group Asia in sharing some of the best stories the world has to offer. National Geographic channels are home to great stories that spark curiosity and push the boundaries of what we know. This is the definition of entertainment with a purpose, and I can’t wait to work together with the team in order to bring the ground-breaking storytelling of National Geographic to life for even more viewers.”

Adyanthaya added: “Andy has a strong record of success with FOX Networks Group Asia, having grown and launched the region’s most loved entertainment channels. With his unique skills in unlocking channel potential and deep knowledge of the pan-Asian landscape, I have no doubt that he will continue to make National Geographic channels a home for exploration, adventure, and the ground-breaking storytelling which has defined the brand for over 130 years.”