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Otter Media Announces Two Executives to Key Leadership Roles(M2 PressWIRE Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) LOS ANGELES and DALLAS, Sept. 30, 2014 -- Otter Media today announced that former American Airlines Chief Commercial Officer and AT&T senior executive Virasb Vahidi has been appointed CEO, Otter Media. Vahidi will leverage his deep experience and proven results in creating innovative business models to build customer loyalty and deliver value in industries undergoing transformation. Bringing that diverse expertise to Otter, Vahidi will lead Otter's general operations and overall strategy, along with The Chernin Group (TCG) and AT&T. Google and YouTube executive Tom Pickett has been named CEO of a new company controlled by Otter Media. This new company will focus on building advertising and subscription-based targeted video-on-demand channels, and includes existing online video assets Crunchyroll and Creativebug. Peter Chernin, who serves as Chairman of the Otter Media board of directors, announced the appointments today. Otter Media was formed in April 2014 by TCG and AT&T* to acquire, invest in and launch global over-the-top (OTT) video services. Otter Media has an equity interest in two distinct companies today and will pursue additional initiatives over time. The two existing businesses are: the new targeted video-on-demand company led by Pickett; and Fullscreen, a youth media company headed by George Strompolos. Otter announced on Sept. 22 that it has agreed to acquire a majority stake in Fullscreen, which works with more than 50,000 online creators to create entertainment experiences across online and offline platforms. Today these companies together reach an audience of over 175 million people worldwide. Otter Media is currently executing its targeted channels strategy through the company that Pickett will lead. Today, three channels are available, including Crunchyroll, a leading global subscription and ad-supported video platform for Japanese anime; KDrama, a streaming service for Korean content; and Creativebug, one of the top go-to sources for high-quality online video classes for arts and crafts enthusiasts. Pickett, a seasoned digital and technology executive with extensive background in online video content management, will launch, invest in and/or acquire additional channels concentrated on specialized, niche programming that serves passionate audiences worldwide. "Virasb and Tom are joining Otter's executive team during a time of tremendous opportunity in the OTT space. Their consumer-focused experience and superior leadership abilities are the perfect qualities to help steer our efforts, grow our existing businesses and expand the Otter portfolio," said Jesse Jacobs, President of The Chernin Group, the majority investor of Otter. "Virasb's expertise in navigating industries that are going through transformation, along with his outstanding managerial skills, will greatly benefit our portfolio and partners. And Tom's proven track record at YouTube and his insights and working knowledge of the evolving video-on-demand space will be instrumental as we further explore opportunities to expand our relationship with content partners and consumers. These are two world-class executives." As Chief Commercial Officer at American Airlines, Vahidi was a principal architect of the most successful restructuring in the aviation industry. Under his leadership, American expanded the reach of its global network and broadened its partnerships. He led the modernization of American's fleet, with the industry's largest-ever new aircraft order, and renewed virtually every aspect of the customer experience, including the innovative design of cabin interiors and American's iconic brand identity. His diverse business and leadership experience also includes four years at AT&T, beginning in 2002, as senior vice president, corporate strategy and planning. "I'm thrilled to have this opportunity to help build Otter Media as a leading online media company," said Vahidi. "Otter Media is tapping into exploding demand for content available anywhere, anytime on any device. We'll take a customer-centered approach to create innovative offerings to grow this exciting business. I look forward to working with our owners, The Chernin Group and AT&T, and my new colleagues to build on the great foundation they have created." "I am really excited to work with an amazing team and build on the success of Crunchyroll and Creativebug in the rapidly growing OTT video space. I see a big opportunity to create new models that enable passionate communities to come together around great video experiences. I can't wait to get started," said Pickett. Pickett has served in a variety of leadership roles at Google since 2004, and became integral in developing strategy for and building out YouTube's global content operations. Most recently, he served as Vice President, YouTube Content, where he was responsible for the development and growth of YouTube Content Partnerships and scaling content operations across the globe. During YouTube's explosive growth he oversaw business development and partner management operations; the global expansion of the YouTube Partner Program; large-scale business operations; and the launch of YouTube Spaces in LA, London and Tokyo. Prior to Google, Tom was an engagement manager at Booz Allen Hamilton and a former F/A-18 fighter pilot and "TopGun" graduate in the US Navy. The Otter Media board of directors includes Peter Chernin and Jesse Jacobs of The Chernin Group, John Stankey and David Christopher of AT&T, and Virasb Vahidi. About Otter Media AT&T and The Chernin Group formed Otter Media in April 2014 to acquire, invest in and launch global over-the-top (OTT) video services. With more than $500 million in funding committed to the venture, the alliance positions both companies to take advantage of the rapid growth of online video services, with each party bringing significant and complementary strengths. About AT&T AT&T Inc. ( NYSE:T ) is a premier communications holding company and one of the most honored companies in the world. Its subsidiaries and affiliates -- AT&T operating companies -- are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and internationally. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation's most reliable 4G LTE network , AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet, voice and cloud-based services. A leader in mobile Internet, AT&T also offers the best global wireless coverage based on offering roaming in more countries than any other U.S. based carrier, and offers the most wireless phones that work in the most countries. It also offers advanced TV service with the AT&T U-verse ® brand. The company's suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world. Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://about.att.com or follow our news on Twitter at @ATT, on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/att and YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/att . © 2014 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. AT&T, the AT&T logo and all other marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies. All other marks contained herein are the property of their respective owners. Reliability claim based on data transfer completion rates on nationwide 4G LTE networks. 4G LTE availability varies. Geographic and service restrictions apply to AT&T U-verse. Call or go to www.att.com/uverse to see if you qualify. *AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc. About The Chernin Group The Chernin Group, LLC (TCG) is a privately held, independent media holding company founded by Peter Chernin and based in Los Angeles, CA. TCG has built, managed, operated and invested in businesses in the media, entertainment and technology sectors around the world since 2010. TCG's assets include Chernin Entertainment, which produces feature films and television programs; a majority stake in Hong Kong-based CA Media, which builds, manages and operates media, entertainment and technology businesses across Asia; and strategic investments in digital media companies including Pandora, SoundCloud, Flipboard, Scopely, MiTú, and Medium. Providence Equity Partners LLC; Qatar Holding LLC; Victor Koo (founder and CEO of Youku) and Chengwei Capital; and other shareholders are strategic partners of and investors in TCG. . (c) 2014 M2 COMMUNICATIONS |