Barry Frey has been named senior vice-president, managing director, global advertising sales for Hallmark Channel, international edition of the Hallmark Channel, according to a company release.

The announcement was made by Andy Brilliant, executive vice president, sales and marketing and deputy CEO for Crown Media International, Inc. and Hallmark Channel. The appointment was effective May 1 and Frey will be based in New York, reporting directly to Brilliant.

"Barry is a results-oriented innovator whose knowledge and experience in the global television marketplace are invaluable," Brilliant commented. "His management and leadership skills will especially aid us during our continued expansion into new territories."

Frey will be responsible for all international advertising efforts worldwide and managing the company's advertising sales operation for Hallmark Channel. In addition to building the channel's client base in Europe, Latin America, and Asia, Frey will also focus on the development of new national sales opportunities within those regions.

Frey earlier served as senior vice-president global sales and marketing at SPACE.com. He has also had stints in senior positions with the National Basketball Association (NBA), where he headed the division that managed and marketed the integrated media properties for the NBA, WNBA and USA Basketball; USA Networks Inc. and MCA Broadcasting.