CNN International Commercial (CNNIC) has appointed Roland Nikolaou as Senior Director, Content Sales and Licensing, EMEA, with a remit to grow content partnerships with traditional broadcasters, digital publishers and platforms.

Nikolaou will also deepen the relationships that CNN has with its existing affiliates across the region through initiatives such as CNN Consult, an offering of training and consultancy services that draws on CNN’s news and publishing experience, as well as innovation in the digital space.

In addition, Nikolaou is tasked with providing EMEA partners with greater access to news, business and lifestyle content through the CNN Newsource platform and assessing further licensing opportunities for local channels and products.

Nikolaou joins CNN from sports agency MP & Silva where, as Group Executive Director, he was responsible for driving global commercial strategies including media and brand partnerships. He has more than 17 years’ experience in sales and content across EMEA and Asia. Nikolaou reports into Greg Beitchman, Vice President, Content Sales and Partnerships, CNNIC.

“This is an opportune time for Roland to be joining us as we bring new products and services such as CNN Consult to market for our wide range of content partners – from linear broadcasters to OTT platforms,” said Beitchman.