MUMBAI: Turner International is looking at tightening its bottom line and in pursuit of doing so has roped in Shitiz Jain, who takes up the role of senior VP Finance effective 17 March 2014.
This executive new hire was announced today by Turner Broadcasting System International EVP & CFO Ray Hutton and Turner International Asia Pacific president Ricky Ow.
Jain was most recently with Discovery Networks Asia Pacific as chief financial officer and head of corporate services. He will be responsible to lead Turner’s financial growth planning and assisting regional management to maximise financial results across the full portfolio of Turner’s kids, news and general entertainment brands, and businesses in the region.
Commenting on the hire Hutton says: “Shitiz has more than 20 years of international financial management experience which we’re delighted to harness for this critical role within one of Turner’s most important regional operations. His track record in delivering growth and his evident commercial acumen and leadership skills, make him an ideal fit with Turner’s growth philosophy.”
Jain will have a range of responsibilities which includes forecasting, budgeting and long range planning, defining and managing the achievement of goals, and providing financial analysis and counsel to all business heads. In this newly created role, he will develop a finance team that will be strategically aligned with the needs of the business. In addition, he will offer strategic and financial modelling support at both the Turner and Time Warner executive management level.
Supporting Hutton’s views Ow says: “Turner in Asia Pacific has ambitious growth targets which require robust financial support and I know Shitiz will serve as a key advisor for me in this regard. Shitiz’s strong CFO background and expertise in overseeing businesses across the Asia Pacific region will be undoubted assets for us as we take our business to the next level.”
Jain joins Turner in Hong Kong after nearly 15 years at Discovery in India and Singapore, where his success in forging strong client relationships and creating new revenue opportunities, drove strong revenue and EBITDA growth. Prior to joining Discovery Networks, Jain served in a variety of financial, operating and strategic roles with Cargill Foods, Fujitsu ICIM and Phoenix Industries.
