ASIA-PACIFIC – National Geographic Channels International (NGCI) and Fox International Channels (FIC) are pleased to announce the appointment of Karin Simoncini as Managing Director of NGCI and FIC in Australia and New Zealand. The appointment follows Ric Burns’ decision to return to retirement.
Based at NGCI headquarters in Washington, DC since 2000, Karin has held key roles with the organisation. As Vice President of Regional Programming and Network Development, Simoncini oversaw the strategic planning of NGCI content across all international markets and editorially supervised the global re-launch of Nat Geo Adventure. Prior to this, Simoncini was Director Business Development, spearheading the expansion of the Channel’s Latin American operations.
Welcoming Karin to the role, Ward Platt, President of NGCI and FIC Asia Pacific, also paid tribute to Ric’s tenure at the helm of the National Geographic Channel group in Australia and New Zealand.
“Karin has been a member of the National Geographic family for a decade now so she brings an extensive understanding of global programming trends to the role. I look forward to seeing the continued development of the NGCI and Fox suite of channels under her guidance and leadership,” Mr Platt said.
“On behalf of all at NGCI, I’d like to thank Ric for bringing his vast wealth of expertise to the role during a pivotal time. We were lucky to lure him out of retirement to launch new channels and initiatives in the market and wish him all the best as he makes a return to form on the golf course,” he added.
Of her focus in the new role, Ms Simoncini said, “Increased local content is a priority for National Geographic Channel. With upcoming programs such as the Pirate Patrol series about the Australian Navy, there are exciting opportunities to work closely with local documentary makers, whilst at the same time increasing engagement with audiences and our platform partners.”
“I’m thrilled to be joining the Australian and New Zealand team and look forward to growing our local presence in a number of ways, including the addition of new channels to NGCI and FIC’s existing suite,” Ms Simoncini added.
With over 16 years experience in the broadcast industry, Karin Simoncini was previously Head of Programming at TV Quality, the leading local documentary channel in her native Argentina, where she was responsible for acquiring and commissioning factual programming.
