Azteca America Opens Office In NYC.

TV Azteca, S.A. de C.V. announced that Azteca America, the company’s wholly-owned broadcasting network focused on the US Hispanic market, has opened its network sales office in New York City.

Located in the heart of midtown Manhattan, the office will be led by Phillip R. Woodie, a veteran of Hispanic television sales, who was appointed Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing. Azteca America will spearhead its network sales efforts from this office, as well as managing national spot sales for the majority of its affiliates.

Mr. Woodie has ample experience in Hispanic marketing and sales. From 1996 to 2000, he served as Senior Vice President of National Sales for Univision Communications, Inc., where he was instrumental in rebuilding the company’s sales force. Previously, Mr. Woodie worked for the ABC Television for twelve years in both local and national capacities.

“Phillip is unmatched in his ability to build top-notch sales teams. We’re excited to have his expertise with us at Azteca America,” said Luis J. Echarte, Azteca America President and CEO. “Although we are a relatively new network, we’re confident that Phillip will be key in taking us to the Big Leagues in coming years. We have a top quality product. Phillip’s first task has been a nation-wide road show covering Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and San Francisco,” added Mr. Echarte. Azteca America currently covers 35% of the US Hispanic market and plans to achieve more coverage in the upcoming months. The road show represents an opportunity for agencies and clients to learn about the potential of the network. “We were very well received by clients as well as agencies,” said Mr. Woodie. “All of them voiced interest in supporting an alternative in the market. Many are aware of the success of TV Azteca in Mexico, and are looking forward to the rollout of Azteca America as a network.”

Joining Mr. Woodie’s team will be Court Stroud, as Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing, and Gladys Ruiz-Abreu, as Marketing Director. Mr. Stroud was local sales manager for Latino Mix 105.9 FM, in New York, and previously, manager of Univision’s New York spot sales office. Ms. Ruiz-Abreu was senior marketing research analyst for Univision Communications in New York.