CNN International Commercial appoints Phil Nelson as COO

CNN International Commercial (CNNIC) has appointed Phil Nelson as Chief Operating Officer (COO) to lead CNN’s operational and international growth initiatives outside of advertising sales.

As COO, Nelson will oversee CNNIC’s Business Development and Strategy, Finance, Strategic Planning, and International Sales Operations as well as its Content Sales and Licensing. This includes managing and growing CNN’s relationships with over 300 digital, broadcast and Out of Home content partners – from local CNN branded channels to airlines and hotels that carry CNN content live and on-demand.

Previously, Nelson was Managing Director, Turner North Asia, and South East Asia Pacific.

Nelson will be part of the CNNIC Senior Management team, reporting directly into Rani Raad, president of CNNIC, and will work closely with a wide range of divisions across CNN and WarnerMedia.

“The CNNIC business has continually evolved since it was created back in 2013 to optimize the revenue, brand and commercial partnerships across our dynamic offering of CNN content and products. I am delighted that Phil joins us as we enter the next chapter of our business in a role that brings together all the operational, strategic and non-advertising sales revenue under one leadership. Phil has a first-rate track record at Turner and will bring a unique skill set of business acumen, creative thinking, and forensic focus,” said Rani Raad.