International is the new frontier for the entertainment business, and online video power Maker Studios has hired former AOL executive Rene Rechtman to build that part of its business. Rechtman will forge partnerships abroad and syndicate Maker’s shows to international TV networks, reporting to executive chairman Ynon Kreiz.
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Maker generates more than 60 percent of its viewership abroad, but like every online video network it has struggled to monetize those views. Enter Rechtman, who helped grow AOL’s international business and as CEO of Goviral created branded content for Samsung, BMW and Nissan among others.
“René is one of the most accomplished and respected online video executives on the international stage,” Kreiz said in a statement. “He has worked with some of the world’s leading media companies and advertisers to pioneer video solutions that reach international audiences at scale. His expertise will allow us to add fuel to our already strong international growth.”
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Maker’s network of channels reaches more than 350 million subscribers and generates more than 4.2 billion views a month. It raised $26 million in September from a litany of international companies, including Canal +, SingTel and Astro.