Ricky Ow to step into president post at Turner APAC

Effective January 2014, Ow will oversee all entertainment and children's networks, the company's digital and media services and the distribution of CNN’s services in the region. He will also be in charge of licensing and merchandising activity in APAC. 

In June, Turner decentralised its APAC operations from its Hong Kong headquarters, which implies that Ow's role might not be identical to Marcopoto's. At the time of the announcement of his departure, Marcopoto said he would stay on as a senior advisor to Gerhard Zeiler, president of Turner Broadcasting System International. 

After Hong Kong, India is Turner's second largest operation in the region while Japan is its most profitable. 

According to Zeiler, Ow's vast experience in the region and success in launching and establishing channel brands locally and regionally helped him clinch the job. 

“We are delighted that Ricky is joining us and look forward to the leadership and wealth of international media experience he will bring to one of the most strategically important areas of Turner International,” said Zeiler. "Looking with fresh eyes at our business as a true leader, he will be a strong addition to Turner International."

Ow joins Turner after a 14-year career at Sony Pictures, most recently as executive vice president and general manager for Sony Pictures Television (SPT) Networks Asia. He was responsible for overseeing the network's business across Asia as well as developing new channel opportunities in the region. He oversaw AXN Korea and Animax Korea, Sony's two Korean joint ventures. Prior to that, Ow served as senior vice president and general manager, Networks Asia. 

He joined Sony in 1999 as head of sales and marketing. Ow has also held positions at SBC Enterprises (now Mediacorp TV), Asia Business News, and CNBC.