U.S. media company A+E Networks has named former Star India exec Prem Kamath (pictured) as deputy managing director for Asia-Pacific, where he will oversee the strategic direction of commercial, financial and operational functions of A+E Networks Asia.

Based in Singapore, Kamath will also provide strategic support for the company’s portfolio of businesses throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

Other duties include managing A+E Networks Asia’s ad sales, affiliate sales, operations, programming and marketing groups, in addition to overseeing negotiations with affiliates, suppliers, clients and institutions for channels such as History, Lifetime, H2, Crime + Investigation and Bio. The exec will report to Alan Hodges, MD of Asia-Pacific.

Kamath previously served as exec VP and GM of Channel V and Star Pravah for Star India. Prior to this position, he was associate VP at Leo Burnett Worldwide in India.

“Prem is a proven innovator with a stellar track record of taking international media brands and not only making them genre leaders but also expanding the genre in local markets,” said Hodges in a statement.  “Prem’s strategic and operational experience will be crucial for driving growth and commercial development in this region.”