In a significant development for the Asia Video Industry Association (AVIA), Phil Hardman, Senior Vice President and General Manager of BBC Studios Asia, has assumed the role of Chairman of the Board of Directors, succeeding Clément Schwebig.

This transition marks a pivotal moment for AVIA, with the new chairman expressing enthusiasm for navigating the industry through transformative times.

Clément Schwebig, the outgoing chairman, has been praised for his leadership over the past three years, especially during the challenges posed by the pandemic. His successor, Phil Hardman, brings a wealth of experience and a passion for the industry, having been associated with BBC Studios as a long-term Patron Member of AVIA.

AVIA has also welcomed two new directors to its board this year, further enhancing its strategic and diverse leadership. Emily Yri, Vice President of international Marketing, PubMatic, and Shonali Bedi, Head of Strategy, Partnerships & Insights, APAC, Warner Bros. Discovery, join the board, bringing their unique perspectives and expertise to the association.

Louis Boswell, CEO of AVIA, expressed gratitude to Clément Schwebig for his contributions and emphasized the association’s commitment to continue thriving under new leadership. Boswell also highlighted the challenges and opportunities present in the rapidly evolving media industry across Asia.

Phil Hardman, the newly appointed Chairman, acknowledged AVIA’s role at the forefront of addressing challenges and opportunities in the media landscape. He expressed honor in taking on the role during what he described as an exciting and innovative time for AVIA. Hardman pledged to work closely with the board members and AVIA leadership to guide the association through this transformative period.

A notable aspect of the recent changes is the increased gender diversity on the AVIA board. With the addition of Emily Yri and Shonali Bedi, AVIA now boasts four female board directors, constituting one-third of the board. This reflects a positive step towards greater inclusivity and diversity in the leadership of the association.

As AVIA positions itself at the intersection of industry challenges and opportunities, the new leadership and expanded board composition are poised to shape the next chapter in the association’s journey. The industry will be closely watching as AVIA continues to provide insight, thought leadership, and initiatives in regulatory and anti-piracy efforts for the benefit of its members.