TORONTO – As part of its major re-launch, specialty channel GameTV has announced a number of new executive appointments. To support the re-launch the channel has also unveiled a trade media campaign this week, with a consumer campaign planned for October 29th. The channel, owned by Insight Sports, launched in 2005 as Casino & Gaming Television. It was renamed GameTV in 2007 and is now available in 9 million households across Canada.
“We have assembled this stellar team to lead the re-launch of the GameTV brand across all aspects of the channel from sales and marketing to programming,” said Mark Rubinstein, President and CEO, GameTV. “We are about to launch a multi-level consumer and trade advertising campaign to support the re-launch of GameTV. Our unique format of fun and entertaining competition programming will be a refreshing destination for viewers to sit back and enjoy their favourite hit movies and series.”
Nanci Stern has been appointed to the new position of Managing Director Sales, responsible for all sales strategy and relationship building with the media buying community. Stern has more than 15 years’ experience on both the client and media side of the entertainment and marketing business, developing solid corporate partnerships with a long list of leading companies including Paramount, Viacom and Alliance Atlantis. She has worked on numerous brand launches and re-brands, and is known for creating innovative and successful integrated campaigns.
Ana Rodrigues takes over in the new position of Director Programming responsible for all program acquisitions including creating the refreshed programming strategy for GameTV. Rodrigues has worked with major media companies including Rogers Communications, where as Head of International Programming she both acquired content and negotiated channel agreements. She has also worked with Stingray Digital where she developed sales opportunities with operators throughout the US, Latin America and Europe, and prior to that, Ana was head of Latin American and Asian content sales for CHUM International.
Gary Sappleton has been named to the new position of Senior Director of Marketing. Sappleton is focused on building awareness of the GameTV brand and driving viewers to the network’s programming through strategic on and off-air marketing initiatives. With over 10 years of experience in the entertainment and automotive sectors, he has a detailed knowledge of fully-integrated marketing practices and has consistently lead consumer campaigns that get noticed and deliver sustained success. Most recently, Gary oversaw Shaw Media’s dramatic networks portfolio consisting of Showcase, Action, Showcase Diva, Mystery TV and DejaView. His track record for leading breakthrough campaigns is highlighted by the record-breaking ratings of “Lost Girl” and “Continuum” series on Showcase.
