BROADCASTER MediaCorp is shaking up its top management team to bring it in line with its business objectives and succession plans.

The changes - to take effect from April 1 - will see Mr Kenneth Liang, who is currently executive vice-president, TV programming and production, Channel 5, spearheading a new unit focused on developing business opportunities in international television content. He will assume the role of director, international productions.

Ms Lim Suat Jien is to take over Mr Liang's Channel 5 portfolio. She will also oversee the children's channel Okto and her new job title will be executive vice-president, Channel 5 and Okto.

Ms Ong Lay Hong, the current senior vice-president for Channel NewsAsia's China operations, will take over Ms Lim's current responsibilities overseeing MediaCorp's ethnic TV channels. Ms Ong's new appointment will be managing director, Suria and Vasantham.

Ms Doreen Neo, senior vice-president of the Studios Business distribution unit, will also helm a newly formed TV Content Distribution unit. This unit will consolidate the company's distribution activities across all genres, from drama to documentaries and lifestyle.

All four will report to MediaCorp's deputy chief executive, television, Mr Chang Long Jong.

Ms Debra Soon, the current chief editor of TV News, will be appointed managing director, Channel NewsAsia. She will succeed Mr Woon Tai Ho, who is leaving to pursue other interests.

Ms Florence Lian, now helming communication and marketing activities, will take on the role of managing director, radio, from Mr Philip Koh.

This will allow Mr Koh to focus on his position as managing director of Press and Media Research Consultants, as well as undertake strategic business development projects.

All three will report to MediaCorp's deputy chief executive of news, radio and print, Mr Shaun Seow.

MediaCorp chief executive Lucas Chow said yesterday that the management changes were needed by the company 'to align our organisational structure and leadership to our business strategies'.

This article was first published in The Straits Times.