Variety Names Patrick Frater Asia Bureau Chief

LOS ANGELES, June 25, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Variety has tapped Patrick Frater as Asia bureau chief, part of Penske Media Corporation's (PMC) ongoing international expansion under Founder, Chairman and CEO Jay Penske.

Based in Hong Kong, Frater will provide news and analysis, as well as oversee and coordinate coverage of the region. 

Frater, who worked for Variety from 2005 to 2009, has been a journalist for more than 20 years and has lived in Asia since 2005. He was most recently the CEO of Film Business Asia, a website that he co-founded which covers news and reviews throughout the continent. He will provide perspective and insight into mega-growth markets and will write about culture and business deals in various Asian countries. He will report to senior VP/international editor Timothy Gray and will work with Variety's business team to initiate events and services in the region. 

"Asia and India are likely the most significant growth areas for the industry, which makes them key growth areas for Variety," said Penske. "Patrick knows those territories better than anyone, and his hire is just one important step for Variety as we continue to expand and deepen our international coverage."

Variety is one of the premier resources for international entertainment business coverage and Asia-Pacific represents the largest growth region in global cinema, accounting for five of the top ten markets as measured by theatrical box office.  The hire is the latest addition to Variety's editorial roster, which began to grow following the February 26 announcement of major changes at the outlet, including the installation of three new editors-in-chief: Claudia Eller, Cynthia Littleton and Andrew Wallenstein, covering film, television and digital/new media respectively.

SOURCE Variety