• by Wayne Friedman , September 22, 2022

Looking to amp up its streaming TV advertising efforts, streaming TV platform distributor Roku has hired TV veteran Charlie Collier, to be president of Roku Media.

Collier had been chief executive officer of Fox Entertainment Group since 2018.

Roku says Collier will oversee Roku Media globally, which includes all advertising sales and Roku's ad-platform business, as well as content for Roku’s owned-and-operated channels, including The Roku Channel.

Collier will start his new position in late October.

In his current post, Collier heads up the Fox Television Network, Fox Alternative Entertainment and Fox Entertainment Studios.

Before Fox Collier worked at AMC Networks for 12 years, ascending to president and general manager of AMC Network, SundanceTV, and AMC Studios. Collier also held senior-level executive positions in advertising at cable networks.

Anthony Wood, chief executive officer of Roku, made a specific point in addressing this experience in a release:

“There is a tremendous opportunity to further accelerate and evolve Roku’s business as the streaming platform built for advertising, and Charlie is the ideal person to help us capitalize on the moment. He will play an integral role in helping us achieve even greater success as a next-generation media company.”

Roku’s Platform revenue grew 80% in 2021 over the previous year to $2.3 billion. Industry estimates say about half of Roku's platform revenue comes from advertising sales.

Roku also announced two other executives promotions:

Gidon Katz, senior vice president of consumer experience, has been promoted to president of consumer experience, overseeing product, customer journeys, editorial, customer marketing, payments, and merchandising.

Mustafa Ozgen, who had been senior vp/general manager of account acquisition, is now president of devices. He will lead on Roku TV, Roku Players, Roku Ready Soundbars, and other other areas.