Natpe names new chair

US market organiser Natpe has appointed Sony Pictures Television’s president of worldwide networks as chairman.

Andy Kaplan

Andy Kaplan previously served as vice-chair of Natpe’s board and succeeds Jordan Levin, who had served as the event’s chairman for the past four years.

Levin recently became chief content officer at the National Football League in the US and will oversee its original programming output.

The appointment comes as Natpe’s current president and CEO Rod Perth prepares to step down from his role next year, when he will be replaced by former Reed Midem executive JP Bommel.

“Andy’s extensive knowledge of the domestic and international TV and burgeoning VoD and SVoD markets, as well as the multi-platform online entertainment network space, will provide Natpe with an enormously valuable perspective as we further expand our global reach,” said Perth.

In his current role at SPT, Kaplan heads up the company’s global cable and satellite television networks and investments, as well as broadband, VoD and SVoD services.

The next Natpe is due to take place from January 19 to 21 next year in Miami, where it has been held since 2011. It also holds an event in Prague in June.