CTC Media appoints new CEO as Podolsky exits

Boris Podolsky, the CEO of Russian broadcaster CTC Media is exiting the company, with the boss of the territory’s top communications firm lined up to replace him.

Yuliana Slashcheva, the president of Russia-based communications consultancy Mikhailov and Partners, will succeed Podolsky, effective August 1. CTC operates three free-to-air channels, Domashny, CTC and Peretz, plus Channel 31 in Kazakhstan and a TV group in Moldova.

Podolsky has been at the company for six years – first as chief financial officer and then chief executive officer. CTC  said he was leaving “in order to pursue other interests.”

“We look forward to working with Yuliana on the next stage of the company’s development, as we build on the success of our existing channels and services,” said Lorenzo Grabau, co-chairman of CTC Media.

“The CTC Media brand is one of the most powerful in the market, and this is an exciting time for the development of the global media and entertainment business,” said Slashcheva. “I am looking forward to leading and working with the dedicated and talented CTC Media team to build on the Company’s success, by accelerating the development of the existing operations and identifying and exploiting new areas of growth.”

Grabau and co-chairman Angelo Codignoni added: “We would like to thank Boris for his considerable contribution and commitment to the company over the past six years, first as CFO and then CEO, and wish him the very best for the future.”

CTC international pay TV channel is in operation in territories such as the US, Europe, MENA and South East Asia.

Scandinavia’s Modern Times Group is among CTC Media’s shareholders.