Lightning International Adds Eric Tan, David Newton for Expanded Role at ATF

Lightning International, the Hong Kong- and U.K.-based content distribution and solutions company, is expanding its staff ahead of the upcoming Asia TV Forum & Market (ATF) in Singapore.

It has hired Eric Tan to be director of content sales Asia. He will be responsible for all aspects of channel and content distribution. Specializing in the telecommunications and broadcasting industries, Tan previously held positions at Singtel, Da Vinci Learning and Sony Pictures Entertainment Networks Asia. He will be based in Singapore.

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David Newton has been appointed as director of business strategy and will manage Lightning’s business direction and growth strategy. Newton was formerly finance director with Reuters and the Financial Times, and later CFO at LexisNexis and Haymarket Media Asia.

Desmond Chung recently joined Lightning as head of marketing & communications to further amplify the voice of the company and to increase brand awareness. A seasoned communications professional, Chung has worked with a range of companies including Turner, Fox, Genting Hong Kong and CASBAA.

“We are delighted to welcome Eric, David and Desmond into the Lightning family,” said James Ross, CEO of Lightning International. “Their extensive experience in their respective fields, especially within the broadcasting and media industries, will be an asset for Lightning as we look to continue our growth trajectory in the future.”

Acquired earlier this year by AsiaSat, Lightning licenses a wide catalogue of programming, both as finished shows and formats and handles the distribution of more than a dozen channels. These include Action Hollywood Movies, Concerto TV, Docsville, GB News, Globetrotter, Kartoon Channel!, LFCTV, NewsWorld, NOW 70s, NOW 80s, NOW Rock, People & Planet, Pet Club TV, Pulse Documentaries, RCM, TRACE Urban, TRACE Sports Stars and more.

The ATF kicks off next Tuesday with a day of conferences, seminars and presentations. From Wednesday to Friday, it switches focus to trade show and rights market.

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