CNN International has appointed Antonio Canto to build on the channel’s commercial success in Southern, Central and Eastern Europe as well as the Middle East, Africa, Turkey and the Commonwealth of Independent States as the vice president of regional sales.
Canto, who was previously at Viacom International Media Networks, will use his expertise in developing business strategies and delivering brand solutions to lead a number of advertising sales teams in these regions.
“I am excited to join the CNN International Commercial team and very much look forward to working with our clients to further grow their strategic partnerships with CNN International and break new grounds in creating new successful brand engagement solutions,’ said Antonio Canto, VP, Regional Sales. “I have always admired the innovation and impact CNN has globally on people’s lives and hope I can help contribute to the company’s continued success and growth. The international marketplace is constantly changing and I believe CNN is a strong brand which firmly adds value and prestige, as well as commanding the attention of key business people and opinion makers.”
Rani R. Raad, Chief Commercial Officer at CNN, has been rearranging CNN’s international commercial business units since appointed in February 2013, when all of CNN’s international commercial activity, including advertising, content sales, affiliate, out of home, business development, marketing and research, was combined to form a single operation.
Raad commented, “Antonio’s wealth of experience will be a huge asset to CNN as we look to continue exponential growth across these key markets. His expertise in business strategy, revenue growth and developing strategic relationships will help build on the successful commercial operations that CNN has already fostered in these regions. I’m delighted to welcome Antonio to my executive team as CNN continues to offer greater bespoke propositions for advertisers to connect and engage with our global audience across multiple platforms.’
