ZillionTV names new CEO

Online VOD play ZillionTV, which last month said it was pushing back its planned Q4 launch to 3Q2010, has a new CEO. Satellite, cable TV and telecom industry vet Jack Lawrence, who recently was in charge of North American ops for toy maker Corgi International is stepping in for ZillionTV founder and now-ex-CEO Mitch Berman, who said he wanted to make the change because his efforts to raise money for the (some say foundering) company has been taking a toll on his quality of life and is slowing the company, reports the Los Angeles Times.

Berman told the Times the move would allow him to focus on securing content and dealing with advertisers and other commercial partners, while Lawrence would take over fundraising for the company.

ZillionTV laid off about a third of its estimated 100-some staff last week, saying, "As a result of our expanded go-to-market market strategy announced last month, the company has realigned its resources to support this growth."

The company's struggles are surprising since it has the backing of Walt Disney, 20th Century Fox Television, NBC Universal, Sony and Warner Bros. ZillionTV originally aimed to sell a video service through telcos and other ISPs that would have traffic priority and thus guaranteed quality-of-service.

For more:
- see this LA Times blog

Related articles:
ZillionTV delays launch, expands marketing scheme 
FierceOnlineVideo Leaders - Mitch Berman, CEO ZillionTV
Zillion TV plays with net neutrality fire