Toronto-based producer, distributor and channel operator Blue Ant Media has ramped up its international expansion efforts by launching a global networks division.

Heading the new department will be former Racat Group consultant Ward Platt (pictured). In the new role, Platt will oversee the strategic direction, distribution, programming and all other operations of the newly minted division. His remit will include leading and growing ZooMoo Networks, a joint venture with AT&T; Love Nature 4K, a joint venture with Smithsonian Networks; and recently acquired Singapore-based networks RTL CBS Entertainment and RTL CBS Extreme.

Platt, who will be based out of L.A., will join Blue Ant Media’s corporate management team as CEO for global networks and kids and report into Blue Ant’s CEO of TV and digital Raja Khanna. His appointment takes immediate effect.

Previously, Platt held COO positions at National Geographic Partners and Fox International Channels, and was CEO of National Geographic Channels International.

“Ward brings a wealth of experience, industry knowledge and leadership to support the expansion of our suite of channels across linear and streaming platforms all over the world,” said Khanna in a statement.

The announcement follows Blue Ant’s May acquisition of New Zealand-based media company The Racat Group, previous home of ZooMoo and storied factual producer NHNZ, in an effort to become more of a global content player.

ZooMoo and Love Nature produce and own all content created through working with Blue Ant’s in-house prodcos and third-party production partners.

RTL CBS Asia’s management team, meanwhile, will oversee the global networks business in Asia under Platt. Small global networks teams have been established in EMEA and Latin America to do the same.

“We now have moderate scale to our business, good momentum and strong teams on the ground in Asia, EMEA and Latin America, who are focused on creating rewarding partnerships with distribution platforms across the globe,” added Ward.

From Realscreen