Fox Entertainment CEO Charlie Collier moves to Roku to accelerate growth

Roku has made one of its most significant hires to date, appointing Fox Entertainment CEO Charlie Collier as its new president of Roku Media.

Charlie Collier

In the New York-based role, the veteran exec will “oversee the growth and evolution of Roku Media globally,” including ad sales, Roku’s ad platform business and content for Roku’s owned and operated channels, including The Roku Channel. He will join the company in late October.

Reporting to Collier in the new role are: Alison Levin, VP of ad revenue and marketing solutions; Louqman Parampath, VP of ad product; Mirjam Laux, VP of international advertising and content; and Rob Holmes, VP, programming.

Collier joined Fox in 2018 as CEO of the Fox Entertainment Group, overseeing Fox Network, Fox Alternative Entertainment and Fox Entertainment Studios. During his tenure, he also oversaw the acquisition of key assets including Tubi, Bento Box Entertainment and MarVista Entertainment, as well as the launch of Studio Ramsay Global. Before that he was president and general manager of AMC, SundanceTV and AMC Studios.

Roku also revealed two other appointments, with Mustafa Ozgen elevated to president, devices, and Gidon Katz promoted to president, consumer experience. All three will report to Roku founder and CEO, Anthony Wood.

“There is a tremendous opportunity to further accelerate and evolve Roku’s business as the streaming platform built for advertising, and Charlie is the ideal person to help us capitalise on the moment,” said Wood.

“He is a proven leader who brings vast experience, a history of evolving businesses, strong creative instincts, talent relationships, and a track record of driving revenue and growth. He will play an integral role in helping us achieve even greater success as a next-generation media company.”

The appointment marks a statement of significant intent for Roku, which has faced stock market woes over the past year as its share price has fallen from more than US$300 per share last September to US$60 today.

Collier added: “Roku is a pioneer in streaming television and has achieved scale and significant relationships with our partners that will continue to be unique and valuable at this pivotal time in the industry.

“As a partner of Roku, I’ve seen first-hand the power and potential the platform provides advertisers, partners, content creators and consumers. I’m eager to work with Roku’s talented team to continue to innovate, grow, and bring the company and its partners to the next level.”

Fox has not yet provided an update on how Collier’s role will be filled.