Fox shuffles the decks across Asia

Ward Platt, president of FOX International Channels Asia will shift to LA to take on a wider role within the group.The News Corp-owned company has named him chief operating officer of FIC and chief executive of the unit's National Geographic Channels International, reporting directly to FIC president and CEO, Hernan Lopez.Having an Asian perspective on its global management is expected to be a bonus for the Asia region, which Platt said was still ripe for more growth.He is eventually expected to shift to the US for the role, but not until early 2014.Zubin Gandevia, current COO of FIC based in Hong Kong has been promoted to replace Platt. His remit will span 18 offices across Asia Pacific and the Middle East."Zubin and I have had a great ride over the past 13 years working together to build the FIC Asia business along with a whole lot of help from many talented team members across our business," Platt said."I am truly delighted to be handing over the reins to Zubin and know he will do an outstanding job in his new role."