A+E appoints Scripps exec as MD for Southeast Asia & Australia

A+E Networks has appointed Scripps Network’s Leena Singarajah (pictured) as managing director for Southeast Asia and Australia, as Alan Hodges departs as managing director of Asia-Pacific.

Singarajah will be joined by Saugato Banerjee who will become managing director for North Asia. The duo will report to Edward Sabin, executive managing director, international at A+E Networks.

Based in Singapore, Singarajah will be responsible for managing and expanding A+E’s channels and media assets in the territories, including the day-to-day relationships with the company’s partners and businesses in the region.

Singarajah will focus on A+E’s digital strategy, a key expansion and execution area to fuel further growth in the region.

The new exec joins from Scripps Networks where she served as head of sales and business development for Asia Pacific.

Banerjee, who will manage growth in Korea, Japan and China, joined A+E in 2011.

“Leena is an aggressive, experienced and whip-smart executive whose vast knowledge of the industry and acute business skills will help extend the reach of the A+E Networks on every entertainment platform throughout Southeast Asia and Australia,” said Sabin.

He continued: “Saugato has brought to bear his excellent relationships and deft strategic vision to our Japanese and Korean businesses, driving A+E’s unparalleled innovation and strong execution in the region.  I am excited to see him apply these unique skills to the further growth of our Chinese business.

“We anticipate great success under his sage guidance and leadership.”