MUMBAI: Walt Disney Television International (India) has appointed Amitabh Srivastava as director affiliate relations for Disney Channel and Toon Disney.

As reported by Indiantelevision.com earlier, Srivastava switches to Disney from TV Today Network where he was the distribution and network development head. The official announcement was made by WDTVI-I managing director Rajat Jain.

In his new role, Srivastava will work closely with WDTVI-I distribution partner, Star India, to manage all aspects of cable and satellite distribution and network development in the country. His focus areas will include subscriber acquisition, affiliate relations and trade marketing to optimise distribution penetration, subscription revenue achievement and last mile connectivity for both channels. He will also have oversight of hotel and institutional sales, a company release said.

Commenting on the appointment, Jain says, "Amitabh's broad base of experience in the media industry coupled with his expertise in distribution -- a current area of focus for us -- will be instrumental in accelerating our business development efforts. Amitabh’s experience and expertise will be crucial to WDTVI’s growth in India."

Prior to his stint with TV Today, Srivastava held several senior management positions at The Times of India, MTV and BBC World.