Martin Breidsprecher Named CEO of Azteca America

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Azteca America, the wholly-owned subsidiary of TV Azteca that provides an alternative choice in broadcast television for Spanish speaking families residing in the United States, announced today the appointment of Martin Breidsprecher, current Chief Operations Officer of the company, to Chief Executive Officer of Azteca America.  

Mr. Breidsprecher, of 42 years, joined Azteca America in 2007 as Director of Financial Analysis, and was soon promoted to Chief Financial Officer.  In 2009 he was appointed COO of the company, where 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 this time for a total of 66 throughout the country, which represent 88% of the US Hispanic population.

Martin Breidsprecher substitutes Adrian Steckel, who is currently the CEO of wireless telecommunications company Grupo Iusacell.

"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," said Luis J. Echarte, Chairman of Azteca America.  "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."

"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 Mr. Breidsprecher.

Before joining Azteca America, Mr. Breidsprecher held key financial and risk management positions in global companies. He has a degree in industrial engineering from the Universidad Iberoamericana, as well as an MBA from UCLA.

About Azteca America

Azteca America is the alternative choice in broadcast television for Spanish speaking families residing in the United States. Azteca America operates in 66 markets nationwide, and can also be seen on DIRECTV Mas Channel 441 (AZA 441) and DISH Network Channel 825. Wholly owned by Mexican broadcaster TV Azteca, S.A.B. de C.V., Azteca America has access to the best programming from TV Azteca's three national networks, including a library with over 200,000 hours of original programming and news from local bureaus in 32 Mexican states. The network complements Mexican programming with an innovative line-up of shows from international producers and distributors to ensure the finest programming for Spanish-speaking viewers and unique advertising solutions for partners seeking to reach the most dynamic market in the country.  

SOURCE Grupo Salinas; Azteca America