QYou names ex-Sony networks chief Kaplan as India chairman

Best-of-the-web channel provider QYou Media has named former president of Sony Pictures Worldwide Networks Andy Kaplan as chairman of QYou India, a newly formed subsidiary set up to deliver QYou’s mix of digital-first video content to an Indian audience of over 185 million mobile and TV subscribers. 

Andy Kaplan

Kaplan will work toward QYou India becoming a premier destination for original, digital-first content in India, according to QYou Media. He will also take a board observer position in the parent company supporting development of the QYou brand worldwide.

Kaplan spent over 16 years at Sony Pictures leading its global television networks and related investments, with over 180 channel feeds reaching nearly two billion subscribers.

He also turned Sony Pictures Networks India into one of the largest media businesses in the Indian market by leading it through a number of successful acquisitions, partnerships, and new programming launches including the initial 10-year deal for the broadcasting rights to the Indian Premier League and the acquisition of Ten Sports.

QYou India has benefited from the launch of Q India on Tata Sky, and an expansion of its content partnerships to include popular YouTube channels in India.

In March, Lionsgate’s recently retired co-COO Steve Beeks joined QYou Media’s board.

“Digital-first video content and mobile video consumption are shaking up the entire TV ecosystem due to huge demand from millennial and generation Z audiences. India boasts a highly developed TV market and upwardly mobile audience, with viewers showing a huge appetite for new and exciting types of content. In just a few short years, QYou Media has made inroads into the Indian market to become a go-to destination for digital-first content for TV audiences, forging relationships with some of the major TV providers. I am delighted to have the opportunity to support QYou India to continue this success and replicate it in other fast-growth markets,” said Kaplan.

Curt Marvis, CEO and co-founder of QYou Media, said: “From India to Latin America, Andy’s career is an accumulation of successful expansions into rapidly growing TV markets with fresh with compelling content. Over the past year, QYou Media has built and maintained momentum with Q India. Andy’s appointment is important to shaping the next stage of our growth by offering strategic insight and a deep knowledge of the Indian TV market.”