Katrina Southon has been upped to SVP and MD at MTV Networks Australia & New Zealand.

Starting February 1, Southon will make the move from her current role as VP and GM of Nickelodeon Australia.

In her new role, Southon will be responsible for strategic direction and overall management of the network’s channels including MTV, MTV Classic, MTV Hits, MTVN HD, Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. in Australia and MTV, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. in New Zealand.

Southon will also sit on the board of Ignite Media Brands, MTV’s joint venture, stand-alone sales house, and will take on the role after five years at the helm of Nickelodeon Australia where she was responsible for MTV Networks’ kids and family business in Australia and New Zealand, overseeing all aspects of the Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. brands including television, local production, digital media, events and consumer products. She will continue to oversee Nickelodeon Australia until a replacement is found.

Prior to joining Nickelodeon in 1997, Southon held roles in production and creative in Australian free-to-air television spanning genres including sports, news, documentaries, game shows, music and variety performance formats and children’s commercial productions.