HBO Max and SEA MD Amit Malhotra part ways

HBO Max and Amit Malhotra have parted ways. WarnerMedia confirmed to MARKETING-INTERACTIVE that Malhotra is no longer with the company and that Johannes Larcher, head of HBO Max International, will take on a more hands-on role in the meantime. MARKETING-INTERACTIVE has reached out to Malhotra for comment.

Malhotra joined in June this year as MD, Southeast Asia and India, and reported to Larcher during his time with the company. He was responsible for the rollout and management of WarnerMedia’s direct-to-consumer platform in Southeast Asia, and also assumed responsibility for HBO GO, WarnerMedia's existing OTT streaming service available in eight territories across Southeast Asia.

Malhotra was previously Disney+'s regional lead for Southeast Asia where he was responsible for overseeing the launch and operations of Disney’s streaming services in the region, including Disney+, Disney+ Hotstar, and Hotstar. He was also in charge of the content sales and distribution division as part of The Walt Disney Company’s direct-to-consumer and international business in South APAC and Middle East.

Separately, HBO Max brought on board Daniel Tan as VP, marketing for Southeast Asia last month. Tan oversees all HBO Max marketing efforts in Southeast Asia to lead the brand and grow subscriptions to the new service. HBO Max confirmed his appointment but declined to comment further. He was also previously with Disney+, last helming the role of marketing head. 

HBO Max first rolled out in the US last May and is now present in 39 territories across Latin America and the Caribbean. The streaming platform arrived in Europe in October with launches in the Nordic countries of Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Norway, as well as Spain and Andorra, and will launch in additional European countries next year. HBO Max is expected to be available in 61 global markets by the end of the year. 

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