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WWE announced Monday the creation of a new executive position overseeing business operations in China, which is WWE’s next big frontier in international business.
WWE appointed retail executive Jay Li to the newly-created position of VP & General Manager, Greater China. Li will report to Ed Wells, the EVP for International.
“China is strategically important for WWE and we are confident that Jay will help successfully develop our brand and business in the market,” said Gerrit Meier, President of WWE International. “We remain committed to expanding WWE internationally, and our presence in China is critical to the company’s future growth.”
One major item on the checklist is getting WWE Network cleared for distribution in China. WWE says Li’s role will be important for completing that task and other key initiatives.
WWE announced: “In this newly created role, Li will lead WWE’s strategic business development initiatives and day-to-day operations in China and work in conjunction with local government authorities and partners across all of WWE’s lines of the business including television, live events, marketing, sponsorship, new media, licensing, and merchandising.”
Li’s background includes an executive/general manager position for the Skullcandy company in China, plus executive roles at IBM and Andersen Consulting.
They had a hard time filling the role until last week, because everyone believed it involved overseeing Chyna.