Fox Networks said Benjamin (BJ) Elias has been promoted to senior vice president, distribution, continuing to report to distribution president Michael Biard.
Elias joined Fox in 2010 and previously served as vice president, distribution, advanced services for Fox Networks. He is responsible for leading the division’s distribution of new media products and services, including authenticated video (commonly known as TV everywhere) via websites and mobile apps, over-the-top television (OTT), video-on-demand (VOD) and interactive television, Fox said.
Elias played a key role in expanding the distribution of Fox Networks’ suite of TV everywhere apps and websites, including FOX NOW, FXNOW, FOX Sports GO, Nat Geo TV and BTN2GO. He is a key driver in negotiations with major cable, satellite, and telco affiliates and has emerged as a leader in working through increasingly complex issues with the television stations affiliated with Fox Broadcasting.
“BJ has developed into a tremendous executive who has demonstrated a unique talent for navigating the continually shifting video distribution landscape,” Biard said in a release. “His experience in managing the distribution of our emerging products from conception to ubiquitous availability is testament to his technical skill and business acumen. We will continue to rely on BJ to help us maximize our ever-increasing opportunities in this space, and I am delighted he will continue to be a critical member of our senior team.”
Before joining Fox Networks in 2010, Elias served as director of strategy and business development at A+E Networks. He has also held business development positions with Sezmi, Yahoo! and CBS.
