David Farnor | On 04, Feb 2016

MUBI has hired former Fox International Channels and Liberty Global executive Roberto Soto as its new Chief Operating Officer.

Roberto, who will report to Founder and CEO of MUBI, Efe Cakarel, will be responsible for the subscription VOD service’s strategy and overseeing the company’s ongoing business operations globally.

Roberto brings to MUBI a wealth of subscription video business experience over the last 12 years. Over the last seven years – as Senior Vice President at Fox International Channels – Soto led the development and implementation of the product and commercial strategy for the subscription-based channels (linear and non-linear/digital), first in Latin America and recently for Europe and Africa.

Of his appointment, Roberto Soto said today: “It’s an honor and I am really excited to join the amazing MUBI team in this journey. We have a fantastic value proposition and a committed team that passionately cares about great cinema. We are excited about all the great news that we want to share with our subscribers and MUBI fans in the future.”

Indeed, Roberto’s appointment marks another key stop in the growth of the bespoke streaming site. MUBI has recently partnered with prominent Chinese entertainment company Huanxi, in an investment deal worth $50 million, to bring MUBI to Chinese audiences later this year – a major move in a highly competitive space.

Recent MUBI acquisitions which have garnered industry-wide interest include the exclusive rights to Paul Thomas Anderson’s Junun in October 2015, as well as signing major output deals with multiple international studios, including Sony Pictures Television, Paramount Pictures, Miramax, eOne, Icon and StudioCanal.

In April 2016, MUBI will partner with New Wave Films to release Miguel Gomes’ Cannes favourite and universally acclaimed Arabian Nights, theatrically in the UK and, in May, online via the streaming service.

Cakarel comments: “I am delighted to welcome Roberto to the team at an incredibly exciting time for MUBI. In the next year, we will be expanding into China and continue to explore original productions. Roberto’s experience in heading strategic growth initiatives and extensive knowledge of the business come at a fantastic time.”

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