MUMBAI: Gemstar-TV Guide International has announced appointment of Mike McKee as the COO of TV Guide Consumer Electronics.

Gemstar-TV Guide International provides information and guidance regarding television.

McKee will oversee the day-to-day worldwide business operations for the TV Guide Consumer Electronics division. He will report to the TV Guide Consumer Electronics president Doug Macrae, say a company release.

The division develops and markets Interactive Programme Guides (IPG) and Plus Code recording systems. These are then incorporated into consumer electronics products such as digital televisions, digital video recorders, and DVD recorders.

Previously McKee was the president of TV Guide's satellite businesses, including the Superstar/Netlink Group, UVTV, and SpaceCom. These were purchased by Echostar earlier this year, informs the release.

Gemstar-TV Guide's consumer electronics products are distributed in nearly 40 countries. The IPG is marketed as TV Guide On Screen in North America, G-Guide in Japan and Guide Plus+ in Europe. Plus Code brands include VCR Plus+, Show View, Video Plus+ and G-Code.

McKee joined Gemstar-TV Guide in 1997 as the president of the Superstar/Netlink group.

Macrae was quoted in the release saying, "Mike brings a strong understanding of technology and the changing television industry, as well as years of management experience. This will be invaluable as we continue maximising the potential of our consumer electronics business.

"Given his experience in overseeing multiple business units within Gemstar-TV Guide, Mike will be able to hit the ground running. We will work closely with leading consumer electronics manufacturers to integrate our products into digital televisions and recorders worldwide."