Turner launches new division with promotion of lead

Global media company Turner has announced a new division to lead its digital innovation internationally. It will see current senior vice president and chief financial officer, Aksel van der Wal (pictured) being promoted to the new role of executive vice president, digital ventures and innovation.This will be for Turner’s international operations, effective 1 January  2017. He will also work in close co-operation with the Turner International presidents and reports to Gerhard Zeiler, president, Turner International.He will lead the new division to focus on driving profitable growth through international consumer-centric initiatives. This includes all of Turner’s international multi-platform suite of digital properties and its direct-to-consumer product strategy.He will remain responsible for the company’s international technology & operations (T&O) organisation. In addition, van der Wal has the responsibility for the existing portfolio of international products and services on the web, for smart phones, games, apps and OTT.Meanwhile, van der Wal will be succeeded by Trey Turner, currently senior vice president, corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, who takes up his new role 1 January 2017 as well.Based in Atlanta, Turner will report to Pascal Desroches, executive vice president, and chief financial officer of Turner, while working closely with Zeiler. He will be responsible for all of International’s financial operations and contribute in shaping the direction of the company’s international business and implementing its strategy.“As our industry undergoes huge evolution, the impact of digital disruption and changing consumer behaviour continues to put audience insight right at the heart of our business strategy,” Gerhard Zeiler, president, Turner International, said.He added that the new division will ensure new opportunities for innovation, development and acquisition through the lens of relevant, robust consumer data and through a realigned, agile organisational structure. Aksel’s experience in transformative management, his first-class understanding of both the linear and digital media landscapes, and his detailed knowledge of Turner’s international operation, all combine to make him a superb fit for this new role.”Aksel van der Wal joined Turner in 2014 as CFO, Turner EMEA and was promoted to senior vice president and CFO, International, in June 2015. Before joining Turner, van der Wal worked for three years and served as CEO, Time Out, at its two main business sites, London and New York City.Trey Turner is currently SVP, corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions for Turner, overseeing consolidated financial planning and corporate development activities for the company. Before his current role, Turner was director of finance for CNN worldwide where he was responsible for strategic finance support.“Trey has the perfect experience to lead the business, capital and budgeting activities for our international businesses. He has acquired a depth of knowledge about our company and brings great passion and significant experience to the role. We expect Trey to play a key role in helping us expand our global operations,” Pascal Desroches, executive vice president and chief financial officer of Turner, said.