MUMBAI: Turner International has appointed Edward Barnieh as programming and acquisitions manager for Asia Pacific, to further expand its quality offering of kids? content.

Based in Hong Kong, Barnieh will be responsible for Turner?s acquisition strategies for its kids? networks in Asia Pacific, including Cartoon Network, Cartoonito, Pogo, Toonami and Boomerang.

His mandate will be to secure rights to the most engaging content in the region, in particular "funny" and "clever" animation from international studios and distributors.

Prior to joining Turner, Barnieh was with Nickelodeon UK for almost nine years, where he played an important role in the expansion of the network and developing content for global markets.

Turner International regional chief content officer Mark Eyers said, "Edward joins us from an acquisitions background that spans TV, online, mobile, and content licensing, which we expect will help secure our leading position in the Kids genre in Asia Pacific. His diverse expertise and proven achievements will make him a real asset to the team, and we welcome him to Hong Kong."

Having spent over a decade working in kids broadcasting in the UK, Barnieh brings knowledge and expertise to the role. He also has years of multi-platform experience to the regional team and will be a key part of Turner?s international Asia Pacific acquisitions strategy.

MUMBAI: Former Walt Disney Company executive Giorgio Stock is set to join Turner International as president of Turner Broadcasting System Europe, Middle East and Africa, effective April.

Stock joins Turner after a 15-year career at Disney. He was most recently EVP and GM- Disney Consumer Products, Publishing and Retail, EMEA.

He will lead Turner International?s portfolio in EMEA. He will have executive oversight for all entertainment and kids networks and media services offered in EMEA, the distribution and commercial operations of CNN?s services in that region, and all licensing and merchandising activity in EMEA.

Turner Broadcasting System International president Gerhard Zeilers said, "We are delighted that Giorgio is joining us. His success in international licensing and merchandising, his experience in launching kid?s programmes and channels, as well as his deep understanding of digital commerce make him the ideal choice to lead our business in EMEA into the next stage of growth. Looking with fresh eyes at our business as a true leader, he will be a strong addition to Turner Broadcasting System International. We all look forward to working with him to extend our core brands and build international scale."

Stocks said, "I am excited about the opportunities ahead and look forward to working with Gerhard, the EMEA leadership team and our colleagues throughout the region to build on a history of creativity and innovation. Opportunities abound to expand our brands and franchises across both existing and emerging platforms and to build the foundations for new consumer relevant propositions, leveraging the vast creative output and resources of both Turner and Time Warner."

Turner Broadcasting System currently broadcasts 17 branded channels via 53 feeds in 27 languages to over 100 territories in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The channels include CNN International, Cartoon Network, Boomerang, Cartoonito, Boing, Adult Swim, TNT, TCM and Glitz.