US Spanish TV network Azteca America, a wholly owned subsidiary of Mexico’s TV Azteca, has changed captains. Martin Breidsprecher has moved up to CEO from COO, succeeding Adrian Steckel, who left last year to become CEO of Grupo Iusacell, a wireless telecom company.
Breidsprecher joined Azteca America in 2007 as Director of Financial Analysis, was soon promoted to CFO and in 2009 was appointed COO. According to the company, his job was fundamental in improving operating efficiency through the reduction of content production costs and increase in revenue. Azteca America also added seven new stations during his COO tenure, taking it to a total of 66 affiliates covering 88% of the US Hispanic population.
“Martin has solid leadership skills to strengthen Azteca America’s positioning as an unparalleled programming option for a growing number of Hispanics in the US. He will build on the robust structure established by Adrian, who more than doubled revenue in five years, with strict cost controls and growing profitability,” said Luis J. Echarte, Chairman of Azteca America.
“I enthusiastically accept the challenge of building on the progress achieved by Adrian, and hope to continue with successful results. Our goal is to maximize the value creation of Azteca America through the consolidation of the highest-quality Spanish-speaking television network in the United States,” said Breidsprecher of his new responsibilities.
