AMC Networks’ Acorn TV hires Samanidis
July 23, 2019
AMC Networks’ Acorn TV, the North American streaming service streaming service for high British and international television, has expanded its international team with the appointment of Kerensa Samanidis to a newly created role, General Manager of Acorn TV International.
The former FilmStruck executive is now based in Acorn’s London office and has recently been a consultant for Acorn TV. As General Manager, she is responsible for the overall development, management and operation of the streaming service for all markets outside of the Americas. She oversees strategy, programming, product, marketing and distribution. Last year, Acorn TV expanded into dozens of territories including Mexico, Spain, Scandinavia, Argentina, Australia, and New Zealand. Kerensa will report to Matthew Graham, General Manager of Acorn TV.
Kerensa devised and launched services for Sony PlayStation, BFI and Turner (Warner Media). She was previously General Manager of FilmStruck International where she oversaw the launch and growth of the service across Europe.
Matthew Graham, General Manager, Acorn TV, said, “We’re thrilled to have Kerensa join the Acorn TV family and grow our international subscribership. Since launching in dozens of territories last year, we’ve seen extraordinary worldwide interest in the service and its first-rate catalogue of exclusive international dramas, mysteries, and comedies. With Kerensa’s past success with streaming services, we expect her to play a vital role in our continued international growth.”
Samanidis said, “Acorn TV has achieved monumental success in the U.S. and Canada, and I’m delighted to be joining the talented team to continue this success story in new markets. The demand for quality British TV has never been higher so it’s exciting to be working on a service with such strong potential at such a pivotal time within the OTT industry.”
Rakhee Birdi has also joined the company as Marketing Director for Acorn TV International. She previously led marketing at FilmStruck International and was Head of Subscription Marketing for News Inc in the UK.