Lionsgate Play appoints GM ahead of Philippines expansion

Cecilia Marino

Starz and Lionsgate India’s South Asian streaming platform, Lionsgate Play, is to launch in the Philippines as it continues its expansion in the region.

Cecilia Marino has been appointed as general manager to lead the business in the territory, and will report to Rohit Jain, MD South Asia and networks – emerging markets Asia, will continue to spearhead operations in the region.

Marino has more than 25 years of experience in business strategy and development, brand marketing and partnerships, and joins the streamer from her role as head of the integrated sales group at global entertainment brand KidZania Manila.

Lionsgate Play’s expansion into the Philippines follows recent launches in Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, following its initial rollout in India last year. The service currently carries Lionsgate film content such as The Hunger Games and Twilight franchises and Starz TV series including Mad Men and Power, and is in production on a slate of Indian originals, including a remake of Hulu series Casual and college drama U-Special.

“We are thrilled to expand into the Philippines where over a third of the population uses OTT services, a trend that has accelerated in the past two years as Filipinos become avid streaming consumers. We see this as a great opportunity to reach and engage with them” commented Jain.

“The Philippines is an indispensable market for the South Asian business and I am confident that the Filipino audience will enjoy Lionsgate Play’s unique and exclusive streaming offering,” added Marino.