M-Net CEO, Patricia van Rooyen, says Cloete’s extensive experience and superb track record in the pay-television environment will stand him in good stead in this new position. “M-Net is delighted to welcome this dynamic television expert to our executive team. He has excelled in the fields of both marketing and channel management and has proven to be a respected leader in our business. We are confident that he will take one of M-Net’s bigger properties – our movies – to the next level.”

After starting his television career as promo producer for Rapid Blue on the SuperSport account, Cloete joined SuperSport in 1996, where he played an instrumental role in launching and marketing multiple SuperSport channel brands. In 2006, he stepped into the position of M-Net marketing manager for local productions and in 2008 his portfolio increased to include the marketing of M-Net’s international programming, as well as M-Net Movies 1 and M-Net Movies 2.

Thereafter, he was appointed as channel head for M-Net and M-Net HD. During his tenure in this position, he increased M-Net’s ratings and channel revenue significantly. “I am honoured to have been part of M-Net’s magical history for 15 years and look forward to the next chapter in my career. M-Net viewers love their movies and this new movie division will invest plenty of energy to enhance everyone’s viewing experience.”

Throughout his career, Cloete raked in several industry awards, which include Loerie Awards, Promax Awards and People’s Choice Awards. He holds a B.Com Honours, majoring in industrial psychology, business economics and sport management. He has also completed a media management course with the University of Stellenbosch, a media leadership Course with GIBS and a Harvard Business course.