MUMBAI: US media company Fox's executive chair & CEO Lachlan Murdoch has announced that Rob Wade has been appointed as CEO of Fox Entertainment effective immediately. Wade served as president, of alternative entertainment and specials.

In this role, Wade and his team will guide the media brand and content producer with Fox broadcast network as its centerpiece. Fox Entertainment includes an expanding portfolio of owned content studios, including animation house Bento Box Entertainment, TMZ, MarVista Entertainment and Studio Ramsay Global. Fox Entertainment also includes the in-house unscripted studio Fox Alternative Entertainment, scripted content creator Fox Entertainment Studios, Blockchain Creative Labs, and the worldwide content sales unit Fox Entertainment Global.

"Since the formation of Fox Entertainment, Rob has been an integral part of the leadership team responsible for delivering on its long-term strategy of creating an independent media company built on broadcast, developing an owned content portfolio and maintaining a disciplined in-house infrastructure," said Murdoch. "Given Rob's sharp creative instincts and proven operational acumen, he is well-suited to lead Fox Entertainment in what promises to be an exciting next chapter in its rich history."

"I am honoured to be entrusted with leading Fox Entertainment into the future with an exceptionally talented team, whom I know very well, as we build and expand on FOX's legacy of storytelling excellence, entrepreneurial energy and innovation. It's a transformative time across the global entertainment landscape, presenting limitless opportunity and, above all, creativity, making the outlook ahead bright and exhilarating," said Wade.

In his previous role, Wade had oversight of the network's unscripted programming, specials and alternative development slate, as well as the company's in-house production unit, Fox Alternative Entertainment (FAE).

During his tenure at Fox, the network has launched several hit unscripted series, including the singing competition The Masked Singer. This was followed by the guessing game-meets-baking competition Crime Scene Kitchen, Lego Masters and Next Level Chef.

Prior to joining Fox, Wade served as the showrunner on ABC's Dancing with the Stars and was the head of Entertainment Development at BBC Worldwide. He was also an executive producer on Fox's The X Factor and NBC's America's Got Talent and was Syco Entertainment North America's head of TV.