MTV Networks promotes Katrina Southon to SVP, MD (for The Music Network)

17 January 2011

by Poppy Reid

Vice President, General Manager of Nickelodeon Australia, Katrina Southon has today been announced as the Senior Vice President, Managing Director of MTV Networks Australia and New Zealand.

The promotion was announced today in Sydney by David Lynn, Executive Vice President and MD, MTV Networks UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand and is effective next month on Tuesday, February 1.

“Katrina is an accomplished and energetic TV executive who has grown the Nickelodeon Australia business to a multi-tiered network of channels and digital services aimed wholly at kids and their families.

"Her local and international experience spanning commercial, brand, content and people management make her perfectly placed for her new role as Senior Vice President, Managing Director, MTV Networks Australia and New Zealand,“ said Lynn.

Southon steps into the new role alongside General Manager of Music Brands and Comedy Central, Rebecca Batties and the Vice President of Business Development and Digital, Tom Armstrong, who were principal to a 36% growth in distribution for MTV Australia after it’s move to Foxtel’s 'Get Started' tier.

Southon takes on the position after a 5-year tenure with Nickelodeon Australia and looks forward to duties that will include strategic direction and management of the network’s Australian channels; including MTV, MTV Classic, MTV Hits, MTVN HD, Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. and New Zealand channels MTV, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon and Nick Jr.

“I’m delighted to be at the helm of MTV Networks Australia (a division of media conglomerate Viacom) and New Zealand at such a pivotal time in its growth," she said.

"The continued expansion of the Viacom business in this marketplace has resulted in a network of global channel brands, serving a wide spectrum of demographics and genres and run by talented, enthusiastic people – in particular MTV’s outstanding leadership team: Rebecca Batties and Tom Armstrong,” said Southon.

Executive Vice President and MD, MTV Networks UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand, David Lynn told TMN Katrina will bring a wealth of multi-platform TV experience and an even closer relationship between MTV and Nickelodeon.

“This, combined with GM Rebecca Batties’ MTV heritage and incomparable commitment to music and creativity across all 4 of MTV’s Australian channels will make for a pretty dynamic combination!” said Lynn.

Southon will continue to oversee Nickelodeon Australia until her replacement is assigned.