Sahar Elhabashi has been promoted to Executive V-P, MTV Networks International.

In her expanded role, Elhabashi will direct strategy, operations and business development for MTV Networks' brands MTV, Nickelodeon, VH1, KinderNet and TMF (The Music Factory) in international markets. Elhabashi is also on the board of directors of Nickelodeon Australia, a joint venture between MTV Networks and XYZ Entertainment.

Elhabashi directed MTV's January 2001 entry into Japan with a TV channel and Web site launched via a partnership with @JapanMedia, as well as collaborated with MTV Europe on acquisitions of KinderNet and TMF (The Music Factory) in the Netherlands. MTV Networks has introduced 22 new TV, online & PC broadband services internationally in the past year, including VH1's debut in Asia, Nickelodeon launches in China and Singapore, and MTV 24-hour channel and Web site premieres in Korea and the Philippines.

In the immediate term, an area which might need Elhabashi's attention in India is Nickelodeon, which two years after its launch is still to find its feet.

Greg Ricca, COO, MTV Networks International, who made the appointment announcement, said: "Sahar has been a driving force behind the strategic growth and development of our brands across multimedia platforms around the world, helping MTV achieve its status as the world's largest global network, while launching VH1 internationally, and developing Nickelodeon across all lines of businesses in priority markets."

Elhabashi joined MTV Networks in London in 1992 as manager of new business development, MTV Europe, where she oversaw investment opportunities for MTV in the region. Under her direction, MTV expanded its European business through the launch of VH1 in the UK and Europe as well as through brand extensions into other lines of business, including magazines and record compilations.

In 1994, she was named V-P of Strategy for the newly formed MTV International, responsible for steering strategic and operations planning for MTV and VH1 in international markets. Elhabashi relocated to New York in 1996. In 1997 she was promoted to senior V-P, adding network development for MTV and VH1 to her responsibilities. In 1998, Nickelodeon International's strategy and network development responsibilities were added to her duties.

MTV Networks claims to be the world's premier brand-led, multi-platform entertainment company, reaching more than 164 countries via 72 channels, 38 Web sites and extensive syndication and licensing businesses linked to MTV, VH1 and Nickelodeon brands and properties.

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