Wattpad expands in Asia with Fox exec

Web storytelling platform Wattpad has appointed a 21st Century Fox exec to work across its operations in Asia.

Dexter Ong

Dexter Ong has been named head of Asia for Wattpad Studios, with a remit to work with local producers and writers to turn stories on the site into TV series, movies and digital projects. He will be based in Hong Kong.

Ong joins from 21st Century Fox in Asia, where he was director of corporate development. Before that, he worked to develop content for Net TV, which is backed by The Chernin Group’s CA Media.

Wattpad has been bolstering its executive ranks over the past 12 months, with former NBCUniversal exec Eric Lehrman recently joining to oversee content development and production.

The company has also closed a US$51m funding round from Asian investors including Chinese media giant Tencent, and has struck IP deals with companies such as Entertainment One and Komixx Entertainment.