MGM+ Names Michael Katzer As Head Of International

MGM+‘s Michael Katzer is relocating to London to become the streamer’s Head of International.

According to an internal note from MGM+ Global General Manager Josh McIvor, Katzer be the GM for all business outside the U.S. at the Amazon-owned platform, overseeing day-to-day operations and supporting long-term, strategy and planning. He will move to London and report into McIvor.

The role will see the former Disney exec work closely with colleagues at Prime Video Channels and in distribution, business development and back at MGM+ in the U.S.. Head of International Marketing Andy Chilcott and Senior BI Manager Adeline Lassince will report into him.

“Over the past year, Michael led our agreements and integration of Lionsgate+ into MGM+ in South America and Europe,” said McIvor in the note. “Those deals have resulted in MGM+ becoming the second most subscribed Prime Video Channel outside the U.S. But we’re just getting started, and Michael is the ideal leader to evolve MGM+ into a true premium channel across all our priority international regions.”

MGM+ was among the Amazon MGM Studios units impacted the widespread layoffs that landed last month.

On the International front, the streamer rebranded from Epix last year in April, and at the same time struck a content deal with Lionsgate to become the European home of Lionsgate and Starz shows such as the Power franchise, Black Sails, Black Mafia Family, Mad Men and Nashville.

That follow Epix rebranding as MGM+ in the U.S., which in turn followed Amazon’s acquisition of the MGM studio.

In November, MGM+ Michael Wright told delegates at Content London that MGM+ International would look to roll out beyond the 17 territories it was already in following “extraordinary” launch results that had “accelerated” expansion plans.