Avinash Himatsinghani bids farewell to Fox

More recently, as SVP and GM of Southeast Asia based in Singapore, he was instrumental in creating local market teams in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand; he established strong partnerships with affiliates in these markets, which has resulted in the significant growth of FIC's Southeast Asia channel business.

Avinash Himatsinghani, senior vice-president and general manager, Southeast Asia of Fox International Channels (FIC) Asia has decided to step down at the end of this calendar year. While his next move remains unknown, Himatsinghani notes that he will explore "other opportunities".

Serving more than 11 years at FIC, Himatsinghani was part of the early team that helped build the FIC business. Starting off in 2001 as part of STAR's advertising sales team in Hong Kong, Himatsinghani moved on to set up National Geographic Channel's regional advertising sales business across Asia Pacific, helped build the sales teams across markets and drove some key partnerships.

More recently, as SVP and GM of Southeast Asia based in Singapore, he was instrumental in creating local market teams in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand and also established strong partnerships with affiliates in these markets that has resulted in the significant growth of FIC's Southeast Asia channel business.

"Avinash is an incredibly talented executive who has helped us build each of our markets into a strong local business with teams on the ground, great distribution, ad sales partnerships and great affiliate relationships. We'll miss his passion, dedication, go-getter attitude and of course his unmatched ability to make all hard work look like fun. We wish him all the very best in his new endeavour," says Zubin Gandevia, COO, Fox International Channels, Asia-Pacific in an official communiqué.

Himatsinghani commented, "I consider myself extremely fortunate to have been part of such a great team, working alongside some of the most talented people in the business. It has been a superb 11 years for me at Fox International Channels. Truly rewarding, both professionally and personally, I have loved every minute and made some of my best friendships here - both within the company as well as with our business partners. The time has come for me to move on and explore new ventures - the entrepreneurial spirit in me has been kindled and I look forward to setting up my own business in the not so distant future."

For the record, Himatsinghani began his television career in India. Based in Mumbai, he was part of the start up team at Sony Entertainment Television and then went on to a similar role at Discovery Communications India - both ad sales roles before moving to Hong Kong in 2000.