Rakuten-owned streaming site Viki.com has appointed Joanne Waage as CEO, taking over from Tammy H. Nam, who remains an advisor to both Viki and Rakuten.
Waage was formerly Viki’s senior vice president of partnerships and programming, overseeing the company’s content and business development strategy, and prior to that held executive posts at MobiTV and Viacom.
Known for its fab-subbed Korean, Chinese and other Asian TV series, Viki taps into global fan communities through its content, publishing division Soompi, Rising Legends global audition for K-pop hopefuls and the annual Soompi Awards.
The platform has also expanded into original content through shows such as Dramaworld and 5 Year, which is a co-production with Walking Dead producer Skybound Entertainment.
“I look forward to leading this young and dynamic company by leveraging our unrivaled understanding of fandom and engagement,” said Waage. “Our mission is to bring global entertainment to new fans everywhere and continue breaking down barriers along the way.”
Rakuten founder and CEO Mickey Mikitani said: “Rakuten’s Viki has empowered individuals around the world to bridge cultures and build communities through great entertainment and, under Tammy’s leadership, established itself as a leader in innovative global TV streaming services.
“Now, with a renewed focus on diversified programming and creative product features, Joanne and her team are ready to take Rakuten’s Viki into a new and exciting chapter of global entertainment.”
READ CHIME’S INTERVIEW WITH TAMMY H. NAM: VIKI CEO TAMMY H. NAM