A+E to open South Africa office, hires former DStv exec

Anthea Petersen

A+E Networks is to open a Johannesburg office as part of its expansion strategy across Africa and has named Anthea Petersen as regional director, Africa, A+E Networks’ first hire on the continent.

Petersen will be responsible for commercial development and marketing for A+E Networks’ local channel portfolio across Africa. She will also be responsible for opening the new Johannesburg office and building the local team. She will report to Bakori Davis, VP of commercial operations, A+E Networks UK.

A+E Networks UK manages operations for History, Crime + Investigation and Lifetime in Africa.

Petersen previously held senior-level positions at DStv Media/M-Net and currently runs her own South African-based consultancy.

The appointment follows a period of investment and expansion by A+E Networks’ portfolio in Sub-Saharan Africa. Alongside History and Crime + Investigation, A+E Networks added entertainment channel Lifetime to its portfolio in Africa in 2014, exclusively with Multichoice Africa. Lifetime is now available in over 50 countries across Sub-Saharan African, including Angola and Mozambique which have a Portuguese feed.

Davis said: “We’re pleased to welcome Anthea. Her leadership qualities and in-depth local knowledge will enable us to work more effectively with our partners and maximise growth opportunities across Africa.”

Petersen said: ‘’I am pleased and excited to be joining A+E Networks at a time when the company is so focused on driving growth and expansion across Africa.”