Fox Networks Group Europe & Africa appointed PAOLO AGOSTINELLI as EVP, affiliate distribution. Based in London, Agostinelli "will lead all affiliate distribution across Europe and Africa, covering all of the group's main brands: Fox, National Geographic, Fox Sports and Baby TV." Reporting to FNG Europe & Africa President JAN KOEPPEN, Agostinelli will be responsible for "commercial strategy, distributor negotiations and new product development," and will join the organization on April 3. Agostinelli joins FNG from Tata Sky, a joint venture between Tata Group and 21st Century Fox, where he was a senior exec committee member and held the position of chief content & business development officer for four years (BROADBAND TV NEWS, 2/27). ... Australian Football League side Gold Coast Suns CEO ANDREW TRAVIS announced his resignation from the position. Travis joined the Suns in '09 as COO, with a key part of his role to deliver Metricon Stadium, and in '15 was appointed CEO (Gold Coast Suns).
COACHES/MANAGERS: Ligue 1 side Bastia fired Manager FRANÇOIS CICCOLINI. He is replaced by RUI ALMEIDA. Almeida signed a two-and-a-half year contract with the club. The Portuguese manager has held posts at Estoril, Panathinaikos, Sporting de Portugal, Braga and Zamalek. GABRIEL SANTOS, BENOÎT TAVENOT and HERVÉ SEKLI joined Almeida’s staff as assistant coaches (Bastia). ... Bundesliga side Wolfsburg hired Arsenal Academy Manager ANDRIES JONKER as its new coach on a contract that runs until '18, with former Arsenal player FREDRIK LJUNGBERG appointed as part of the club's coaching staff. Jonker replaces VALERIEN ISMAEL, who was fired on Sunday. Jonker was an assistant at Wolfsburg before taking over Arsenal's academy in '14 (ESPN.com, 2/27). ... La Liga side Deportivo La Coruña dismissed Manager GAIZKA GARITANO "following a dismal run of results" that left the team "just above the relegation zone." AS reported that former West Bromwich Albion Manager PEPE MEL "is in contention to replace him" (ESPN.com, 2/27).
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