Cisneros poaches AMCNI’s Coltro for EVP role

Venezuela’s Cisneros Media has poached Marcello Coltro from AMC Networks International Latin America to become its executive VP, content distribution.

Based out of Miami, Coltro will oversee Cisneros’ pay TV and content distribution unites, reporting to Cisneros Media president Jonathan Blum.

He joins from AMCNI, which was formerly Chellomedia, but rebranded after AMC Networks acquired Chello from Liberty Global for €750 million (US$1 billion) in February. Chello Latin America became AMCNI – Latin America as part of the change.

He is best known for a long period at MGM Networks Latin America, where he worked for more than 15 years, ultimately as EVP and chief marketing officer. Chello acquired the MGM pay TV channel in 2012, leading Coltro to be promoted to regional EVP and COO.

Prior to MGM, Coltro worked for channels such as Country Music Television, TVA Brasil and DirecTV in Brazil.

“Marcello brings his television expertise to Cisneros Media, with vast experience in broadcasting, distribution, digital media and marketing,” said Blum. “During his career, he’s built an outstanding and solid reputation in the industry, succeeding in multi-cultural markets and securing the development of businesses for sustained growth.”

Last month, Cisneros appointed former BBC Worldwide sales exec Helen Jurado as its Latin American senior sales and business development director for its distribution wing, which rebranded as Cisneros Media Distribution earlier this year.